New Zealand Playcentre Federation

To Marion Pilkington and Maureen Woodhmans, President and Vice-President of the New Zealand Playcentre Federation, to life members, kaumatua and kuia of the Federation, to distinguished guests;  kia ora, kia orana, fakalofa lahi atu, taloha ni (sign ‘good morning’) greetings,  in all the languages of the Realm of New Zealand.

Thank you for inviting me to the New Zealand Playcentre Federation’s 2010 Annual Conference.  I believe the by-line of the conference is “Manaaki Whenua, Manaaki Tangata, Haere whakamua—Care for the land, Care for the people, Go forward.”

When Anand became the Governor-General in 2006, I decided to use what profile I have to promote three themes.  They are - protection of the environment, children, and volunteering.  I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the role the New Zealand Playcentre Federation plays in educating our young children and about the importance of parent and family support.  I also want to point out the value of volunteering.

I am privileged to see much being done by volunteers around New Zealand and it reminds me of the need for society to have people willing to further the cause of things that interest them through their voluntary effort and time.

The latest figures available from Statistics NZ, reported that in our country we contributed unpaid work for non-profit organisations valued at $3.3 billion in the year ended March 2004. 

Given how far non-profit organisations have come over the last six years, I am sure that the value of voluntary effort would have risen since.  It shows that we really do have many committed, willing volunteers.  New Zealand communities need to continue to foster that spirit as young people take their place as leaders.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the Unites States, spoke about the value of volunteerism and the vital role it plays in shaping and caring for communities.  He said:

“No matter how big and powerful government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.”

The New Zealand Playcentre Federation has,  for more than 60 years as a voluntary organisation,  met the changing needs of families and communities and today it remains highly active in the early childhood education sector.

The reach of the Federation into New Zealand communities and families is obvious when you consider that more than 500 playcentres in this country are affiliated to the Federation through each of the 33 regional associations. 

The strength of the Federation rests on its acknowledgement of the importance of parental involvement in their child’s education.  Parents at Playcentres are the first and most important educators of their children.

Anand and I have three children and last year we were blessed with two grandchildren - Lola and Joshua.  Being a parent is the most important role a person can ever have.  The role of parent is so multi faceted that people often become absorbed in it and are totally unselfish in caring for their children.  Helping children to learn is probably the most influential thing most of us do in our lives.

American author Joyce Maynard spoke of the role of a parent and described their influence on the life of child when she wrote: 
“It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself.”

The opportunities that the playcentres provide in giving whānau, parents and children the chance to learn together, is unique.  I have been told that in 2008, more than 20,000 people attended parent education courses, workshops, discussions and other education events offered by the Federation.

My husband Anand and I commend you for the outstanding contribution the Federation makes in supporting New Zealand families.  You also contribute to the strengthening of communities throughout the country.

In declaring the 2010 New Zealand Playcentre Federation Annual Conference open I wish you well and courage in your plans, no reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.