Alesha Murray’s Playcentre Story

Finding Confidence as a Parent

For Alesha Murray, Playcentre felt both new and deeply familiar. Like many parents, Alesha joined Playcentre after becoming a mother and realising she needed connection, support and community. But there was another reason too. 

“I was a Playcentre child,” she says. “So, I joined Playcentre.  That’s just what we do.” 

That sense of continuity – generations of whānau returning to Playcentre as parents themselves – shaped Alesha’s experience from the very beginning. What she found when she arrived was exactly what she needed at that point in her parenting journey: meaningful friendships, abundant resources for children, and a collective wealth of knowledge shared openly by experienced parents. 

Learning to Trust Her Parenting 

One of the biggest lessons Alesha took away from Playcentre was the understanding that every child is uniquely themselves. 

“Every child has their own challenges and trials, and they reach developmental milestones when they are ready,” she says. 

Through Playcentre, Alesha learned how to adapt her parenting to truly support her son – tailoring her approach to his individual abilities, personality and interests, rather than trying to fit him into a one‑size‑fits‑all model. 

That learning went beyond theory. It gave her confidence. 

“Playcentre helped me realise I can be confident in my parenting choices,” Alesha reflects. “That I am a ready learner, and that being a parent is huge mahi.” 

Women Supporting Women 

Playcentre was founded during World War II by women supporting one another through challenging times. For Alesha, that history is not just something from the past – it is something she lived. 

When she joined Playcentre, Alesha was a sole parent. What she found was a collective of women who showed up for one another in practical, emotional and deeply human ways. 

“The collective parent body were amazing – supportive and caring,” she says. “The friendships, the connection and the support on sessions are unforgettable.” 

Support came in many forms. Sometimes it was as simple as someone bringing around cups of tea and coffee. At other times it was educational guidance, emotional reassurance, or wellbeing support when things felt heavy. 

“Being in an environment where women show up for each other, leaning on each other’s strengths – it was and still is just amazing.” 

Joyful Learning Together 

One of Alesha’s favourite memories at Playcentre captures the joy of parent‑led learning perfectly. 

Baking early on session with the tamariki became a moment of shared excitement and discovery. Children were eager to get involved – mixing, creating, talking, learning and sharing ideas. They were fully engaged, side‑by‑side with adults who valued their curiosity. 

“It showed me how much children love to get stuck in,” Alesha says. 

There was joy for everyone too – children, parents, and yes, adults quietly celebrating the bonus of fresh baking shared together. 

“It was the most fantastic community experience,” she says. “It brought me deep joy and love at Playcentre.” 

A Lasting Impact 

Alesha’s Playcentre story reflects what has always made Playcentre special: parents recognised as first educators, learning together in a supportive community, and women uplifting one another through the realities of parenting. 

For her, Playcentre wasn’t just a place her child learned and played. It was a place where she grew too – in confidence, in knowledge, and in belief in herself as a parent. 

It was community. 
It was shared mahi. 
And it was, as generations before her have found, a powerful place to belong.