24/04/2026
Today in 1941, as Aotearoa prepared to remember the men who went to war, a group of mothers in Karori, Wellington, did something quietly extraordinary.
Born of necessity, they created a place where parents and tamariki could learn together, that would quietly outlast the war and grow across Aotearoa.
Eighty-five years later, we’re still here, and still playing, learning, and growing together – one of the most enduring ideas in New Zealand’s history.
Join us on our journey over the coming year as we share the stories of our rural communities, bicultural foundations, the generations of women who built the movement, and our vision for the next 85 years.
Donate today and help us to Power the Play for another 85 years: https://85years.raiselysite.com/
Learn more about our beginnings: https://www.playcentre.org.nz/news-and-events/events/85-years-anniversary/
