Our Stories
Many community leaders across Aotearoa trace their early leadership experiences back to their time at Playcentre, reflecting our long-standing role in building strong adults and communities as well as quality early learning.
Some of our current whānau have graciously shared their stories below to explain what Playcentre means to them and their whānau.
Andrea
“It’s safe to say that day (joining Playcentre) changed my parenting journey, how I show up for my kids and who I am as a wahine Māori in the world today.”
Coralie
“I didn’t know that I needed a community… and then I got a community and realised that that’s the most important thing.”
Kate
“It’s like a second home… A place where families feel safe, welcomed, and connected. It’s quite precious to me.”
Terri and Jake
“When we visited Playcentre, we just knew — this is it. This is the place we want to be… It was the feeling, the vibe. We felt welcomed and supported.”
Jackie
“I honestly don’t know life without it, I don’t think I would have had the strength or knowledge to raise my children the way I did.”
Paige
“I wanted to surround myself with like‑minded parents who valued being side‑by‑side with their children – growing with them, guiding them.”
Nina
“If Playcentre didn’t exist,we would have missed out on an entire village. It didn’t just support my children, it helped hold me together.”
Alesha
“Being in an environment where women show up for each other, leaning on each other’s strengths – it was and still is just amazing.”
