Media Release
For immediate release
4 December 2007
Playcentre Volunteers Invited to Share Stories
The New Zealand Playcentre Federation is celebrating its 60th birthday in 2008, and wants to collect stories of what
effect Playcentre has had on the lives of its past members.
Playcentre is made up of thousands of families, from all walks of life, learning and playing together. Each of the 498
Playcentres are run by member families who manage and supervise the sessions, all on a voluntary basis.
“Time gifted to their child is one of the most precious things a parent can give” says NZ Federation President, Marion
Pilkington. “When coupled with parental empowerment to be their child’s first teacher, we create an exciting recipe for
growing together in the best possible way.
“We want to include the stories of ordinary, and extraordinary, Playcentre members in our celebration of 60 years of
this unique New Zealand institution.” These stories will inspire current members at the 60th year celebration at the
Playcentre Convention in Auckland in May, and may be included in a book on Playcentre's first 60 years.
All past and present members of a Playcentre are asked to think about what effect their Playcentre participation had on
their life, and where it has taken them.
Written contributions (of between 100-1000 words) can be sent to the Federation Secretary: c/o Jenny Jackson, Private
Bag 543, Ngaruawahia 3742.
In 1985, the United nations General Assembly designated 5 December as an annual celebration of voluntary action by
people, communities and governments of the world. By gathering and sharing some of their stories, we want to highlight
the huge contribution that Playcentre volunteers have made to their communities, and some of the benefits that their
Playcentre involvement has had on their lives.
ENDS