Call for expressions of interest from whānau Māori to take part in wānanga at Waipapa Marae
Tēnā koutou e te whānau Māori o Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi,
Tēnei te karanga o Te Whare Tikanga Māori e rere ana i ngā hau mahana o Kōanga.
Te Whare Tikanga Māori trustees warmly invite expressions of interest from our whānau Māori members across the motu to take part in our upcoming wānanga on 28 and 29 November 2025, at Waipapa Marae, 16 Wynyard Street, Tāmaki.
This hui is intended to strengthen relationships between whānau Māori across Playcentres and regions, and to build on the foundations already laid by our rōpū Māori, connecting us for the journey ahead.
Priority will be given to Māori parents and whānau who are currently in Playcentres. We want to reflect the lived realities, aspirations, and strengths of our “grassroots”, our whānau Māori in Playcentres today. However, we also want to ensure strong and equitable participation from all six regional Rōpū (regional-governance-spaces)
So even if you and your tamariki are no longer at Centre, if you can commit time and capacity to contribute to Rōpū Māori over the next 12 months, we welcome your expression of interest too.
During the wānanga, we’ll also learn about the whakapapa and purpose of the Two-house model and Rōpū. We’ll have discussions about the six Rōpū and regions, exploring how they can best support connection and engagement, and consider possible alternatives. It’s a space for us all to have a voice and contribute to shaping the future of Rōpū Māori and whānau Māori in Playcentre.
Reflecting our different approach this year, we’re opening this hui to a wider group, hosting as many as we can, rather than only a few representatives. Attendance and participation is required for the full duration of the wānanga, from the pōwhiri in the afternoon, Friday 28 November to the poroāki on Saturday afternoon, 29 November, including participation in Playcentre’s online AGM at 10am that day, on 29 November.
Depending on numbers, marae accommodation may be prioritised for participants coming from outside Tāmaki Makaurau. Those living in Tāmaki Makaurau (or who have local accommodation options) may return home overnight but must be back at Waipapa marae by 8:30am, Saturday, 29 November.
As Playcentre Aotearoa will cover the costs of participation, we expect that attendees play an important role in helping to strengthen and grow our Rōpū across Aotearoa. This includes sharing information about Rōpū within their own Centres and regions, supporting or organising local gatherings, and joining online hui as needed – likely three or four times a year.
If you’d like to attend this wānanga, please email us at [email protected] to express your interest. In your message, include which Playcentre you and your tamariki attend or attended, a short introduction, and what draws you to take part. By putting your name forward, you’re also committing to be present for both days of the wānanga and to stay engaged in the shared work that follows over the coming months.
As this wānanga has a significant focus on governance, it is intended for whānau Māori who are not employed by Playcentre Aotearoa.
As we head into the final weeks of the year, we’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support and engagement.
Playcentre Aotearoa AGM Reminder
A reminder that our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up on Saturday 29 November at 10:00 AM, held online via Microsoft Teams. Nau mai, haere mai – everyone is welcome to join us. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and look ahead together.
During the AGM, we’ll be announcing our new trustees and taking a moment to farewell Bes Lironi-Irvine, who has been a dedicated Te Whare Tikanga Māori member of the trustee board since 2021, and a strong, thoughtful voice. Her mahi has helped guide our waka, and we are deeply grateful for her aroha, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Playcentre values.
We also want to acknowledge those who have engaged with us around the recent budget changes. Ngā mihi nui for your pātai, whakaaro, and for walking alongside us in this process. Your involvement strengthens our collective mahi.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Trustee Board