Juliette, mother of two

“Ko Apanui tōku tīpuna
Ko Te Whānau-ā-Apanui tōku iwi
Ko Te Whānau a Kahurautao tōku hapū
Ko Pāhāōa tōku marae
Nō Tauranga ahau
Ko Juliette tōku ingoa”

Juliette joined Playcentre while pregnant with her second child after feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with what to do with her toddler during the day. Juliette soon came to realise that being at Playcentre gave her a community of parents who may be going through similar struggles, making her feel less alone.  

“Playcentre completely changed my parenthood journey. Before finding Playcentre I felt very lost as a parent and everyday was just a bit of a struggle. Once we got into the swing of being in Playcentre we started making real memories and I started finding my feet with being a mum to a toddler.”

Juliette recommends Playcentre to everyone and feels it is so much more than just an early learning centre. It is a community and a hapū. “I encourage young family’s to start as soon as they can. We’ll grow connections with your toddler and grow their sense of belonging. I honestly can’t say who out of the tamariki or mātua benefits from Playcentre experiences more.”

Juliette was born and raised in Tauranga and is our bi-cultural officer. She helps to ensure Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori is at the forefront of everything we do at Playcentre. Juliette represents Playcentre via her membership within Te Whare Tikanga Māori, Te Poho o Puriri Whakamaru Rōpu and the Tauranga Moana Whanau Rōpu.