INTRODUCTION TO PARENTS CENTRE

June 2015

Welcome to this Introduction to Parents Centre overview. It is designed to give you a quick snapshot of the organisation, our history and how we came to be.

It is important that volunteers within Parents Centre have a clear understanding of who we are, what type of organisation you are part of as a volunteer as well as understanding our mission statement, our position statements and who’s who within the National Support Team.

We want you to be proud of belonging to your Centre and most importantly for belonging to a well -respected organisation which reaches across 50 Centres nationwide. Parents Centre has achieved much particularly for parents in New Zealand and this continues as our Centres deliver quality services into their communities.

Thank you for volunteering in your Centre. As you continue on your Parents Centre journey you will learn much more. If you are a volunteer who wants to stay motivated and energized then keep involved. It’s a great way to contribute, to network, to support families in New Zealand and to continue your own learning. We recognize and value what you bring to Parents Centre as a volunteer.

Thank you!

What makes a truly successful Centre?

Has volunteers who are motivated, are involved across a wide range of services and are active members of their Centre

Volunteers have a good understanding of the organisation and a passion for the service they provide their members

They are financially secure in sourcing funding The services they offer are of a good quality and are beneficial to their members and wider

community They have adequate support that they can draw from and play an active role in the organisation A successful Centre also has an inspirational leader who brings their team with them Interacts well with other volunteers and those in the organisation who work alongside Centres

locally, including Childbirth Educators and National Support Team

THE NATIONAL ORGANISATION

Parents Centre is a nationwide voluntary organisation set up by parents for parents in 1952

The affiliated Centres throughout New Zealand educate in birth and parenting, support parents in their role and advocate to improve community attitudes and facilities

Centres are united in the national body Parents Centres New Zealand Inc.

THE VISION OF PARENTS CENTRES

New Zealand society values parenting as being fundamental to the well-being of all

MISSION OF PARENTS CENTRES

Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role

PURPOSE OF PARENTS CENTRES:

Parents Centres New Zealand seeks to fulfil its mission by providing, for prospective parents, parents and families, the following services:

Childbirth Education

Parents Support

Parent Education

Advocacy for parenting, birthing and families

WHO’S WHO IN THE ORGANISATION?

The National Support Team:

Viv Gurrey, Chief Executive Officer Michelle Burton, Executive Assistant to the CEO Vivienne Lowe, Finance & Administration Manager Liz Pearce, Childbirth Education Manager Taslim Parsons, Business Development Manager Lee Pownall, Fundraising Specialist Cath Short, Telesales and Sales Support Jarred Gurrey, General Assistant and manages stock orders

Kiwiparent:

Leigh Bredenkamp – Editor, Kiwiparent magazine Viv Gurrey – Publisher Taslim Parsons – Business Development Manager

The National Board:

Sharron Cole – Board Chair Viv Gurrey – CEO Michelle Burton – Secretary Kimberley Black - Vice Chair Michelle Keene Sarah Parker Nicola Mapletoft Kim Workman (kitiaki) continued… Josh Briggs Win Mitchell

National Advisors:

Diane Edwards – Constitutional Advisor Avril Hillind – Financial Advisor

THE LOGO OF PARENTS CENTRES NEW ZEALAND INC

The father protecting and supporting mother and infant The mother sheltering the unborn and nurturing the newborn The ideal of breastfeeding

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PARENTS CENTRES NZ INC

This is a brief summary. We recommend you read Parents Centre’s book entitled “The Trouble with Women” which is the official story of the beginnings of Parents Centre and some of what has been achieved over the years.

Beginnings

Sterile, inhumane deliveries in hospital, child rearing that was based on rigid routines and fears of “spoiling” children, restrictive visiting hours for sick children in hospital – that was New Zealand in the 1940’s. This unhappy picture horrified Dr Maurice Bevan-Brown, a New Zealand-born psychiatrist who returned home to Christchurch after 17 years in England. Fortunately, he found and soon joined forces with a kindred spirit, Dr Enid Cook. Enid Cook stood almost alone amongst the medical profession – she was a believer in home birth and was a follower of Dr Grantley Dick-Read, the author of “Childbirth Without Fear”. Through the Christchur45ch Psychological Society, Dr Bevan-Brown advocated much more relaxed styles of parenting which were responsive to the needs of the individual child rather than adhering to strict routines and Dr Cook informed parents-to-be about natural childbirth.

The ideas of the Society were viewed with great skepticism by the medical profession but they made a profound impression on the people who were to become the founders of the Parents Centre movement. Helen and Quentin Brew were amongst these and when they moved from Christchurch to Wellington in 1948, they took the seeds of the new movement with them. Helen Brew was a woman who possessed enormous drive and determination and from her belief in natural childbirth and the need for more loving and enlightened parenting, emerged a group called the Natural Childbirth Group, to become in June 1952, Wellington Parents Centre.

An extract from Helen’s first report as President of Wellington Parents Centre in March 1953 sums up the goals of the first Parents Centre and what was to become the Parents Centre movement:

Our concern for the improved care of mothers in pregnancy and labour is not directed solely towards a more satisfying birth experience as an end in itself, but also towards providing the mother and child with the best beginning of their mutual relationship, upon which is based so much of the child’s later emotional health. For the same reason parents Centre is interested in “rooming-in”, breastfeeding, the permissive approach to early child care and any other practices which are likely, by improving parent-child relationships, to improve the happiness and mental health of the next generation.

Climate of the times

In 1920, most New Zealand women (65%) had their babies at home or in small, unlicensed one-bed homes. Their care-givers were midwives or maternity nurses, with medical practitioners only being called in the event of difficulties. By 1936 however, 78% of births were in maternity hospitals with doctors in attendance. This dramatic change had come about with the increasing concern for the maternal and infant mortality rate at a time when the Government and the Department of Health were very strongly influenced by Sir Frederic Truby King who was committed to “the physical, moral and mental betterment of the race”.

King directed his ire at general practitioners, who he said, practiced “meddlesome midwifery”> Hew as joined in this criticism by the Department of Health which set out in the early 1920’s to make maternity care safer. The Department also believed that 80-90% of women had no need for a doctor’s services and required only a midwife at the birth. Doctors, threatened by the prospect of state control and the

Department of Health’s “reign of terror”, formed the Obstetrical Society in 1927. The object of this was to refute the allegation that doctors were a “forceps-bearing, pest-bearing coterie”. Because the Health Department insisted that childbearing was a normal, healthy process, the Society wanted to educate the public to accept the alternative view that maternity was “highly dangerous”. This education campaign, coupled with the undeniable attractions to women of “twilight sleep” which promised “painless childbirth” but required a woman to be both hospitalized and attended by a doctor, resulted in most women giving birth in hospital.

But the imagined benefits of hospital birth proved to be illusory. Care was impersonal and hospitals were run on rigid, authoritarian lines. Birth was a nightmare for many women and their time in hospital following the birth was disastrous in terms of either establishing breastfeeding or nurturing any bonds between mother and baby. This is described in a submission made by Helen Brew to the Consultative Committee on Hospital Reform in 1953.

In hospital, a place probably associated in her mind with illness and distress, she is left, without her husband, in the care of strangers, seemingly perpetually rushed in their work. Through shortage of nursing staff, she is likely to be left alone in a small room with only intermittent visits from a nurse, while hearing strange and fear-inducing noises from the non-soundproofed labour ward or theatre. As no one probably has taught her the art of relaxation and its relationship to the stages of labour, she is usually unable to help herself. At last, her suffering is relieved and she is put to sleep, to wake up to be told that she has a baby. During the next fortnight she sees her baby only at prescribed feeding times during the day, and at the end of that time takes home a little stranger.

In terms of baby care, the undisputed authority was the Plunket Society and by the late 1940’s,m it was staffed mainly by older, unmarried women who had trained in the old, rigid nursing system. They carried this rigidity with them into Plunket-strict four-hourly feeding, early toilet training, strict nursery routines, no night feeding – and while many mothers appreciated the support they received from Plunket, they found it difficult to measure up to the strict Plunket nurse’s instructions and expectations of how their baby should develop and behave.

…The story continues along with many other stories which are portrayed in Parents Centre’s book “The Trouble with Women”.

GROWTH OF PARENTS CENTRE

This handout shows how the organisation has grown and spread from a small group of like-minded people in Wellington in 1952 to the widespread network which is Parents Centres today

1952 * First Parents Centre classes wet up in Helen Brew’s home

* Wellington Parents Centre founded

1953 * Medical Advisory Board formed

1954 * First Bulletin (Parents Centre’s national magazine) published* First Government grant of $1000 from Walter Nash* Palmerston North Parents Centre set up

1955 * Hamilton, Timaru and Fielding established. Wellington Parents Centre had representatives In Hutt Valley, Wainuiomata and Plimmerton Interim Parents Centre committee set up in Christchurch First conference of Parents Centres (Wellington and Palmerston North) held at the Clinic For Medical Psychology at the invitation of Dr Bevan-Brown North Shore Parents Centre formed

1956 * Christchurch Parents Centre officially launched

1957 * Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres officially formed at a conference at Wallis House, Lower Hutt. About 30 delegates from Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch attended. Helen Brew was the first National President. This was the start of the annual conferences, which were the only

times that the Centres all got together *An education advisory committee appointed to the Federation

1958 * Papakura, Mana and Central Hawkes Bay Centres opened* New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association approved Parents Centres as ethical

Ancillary services

1959 * Upper Hutt Parents Centre began* Federation became affiliated to the National Council of women

1960 * British Medical Association reversed its earlier decision and declared Parents Centres to be Unethical

1961 * British Medical Association again granted ethical status to Parents Centres

1963 * Gisborne Parents Centre became affiliated

1964 * Cambridge and Dunedin affiliated

1967 * Thames-Hauraki and Wainuiomata were affiliated* Postal correspondence antenatal course launched

1968 * Matamata, Tauranga and Kapiti affiliated* During the 60’s the McKenzie Trust showed its support of Parents Centre by giving

Annual grants

1970 * Christchurch Parents Centre began selling sheepskins

1971 * Napier affiliated* Palmerston North went into recess

1972 * Putaruru affiliated

By 1974 * Hastings, Rotorua, South Taranaki and Wairarapa affiliated (24 Centres)

1975 * Twizel affiliated and lasted until 1981* Northland formed but became known as Dargaville Parents Centre and has not been

Active since about 1981 *A new Federation structure established, with Regional Executive Members elected by Centres *Lower Hutt affiliated

1977 * Nelson, Timaru, Taieri, Whakatane, Palmerston North affiliated

1978 * Federation moved to Wellington and into a permanent office with a paid Secretary. Prior to this time the “office” was in boxes in the President’s and Secretary’s homes

*Formal recognition by the Education Department as a Continuing Education organisation and the regular Education Department grant began. This was the first continuing acceptance by a government department – apart from occasional grants from the Lottery Board*Wairoa, Marlborough, Levin affiliated

1979 * Taupo affiliated

1980 * Westport, Invercargill, Tokoroa and Auckland East affiliated

1981 * Oamaru affiliated

1982 * Office moved to Teachers Training College in Wellington* Greymouth, West Auckland, Dannevirke, Turangi affiliated* Marie Bell appointed as first travelling Training Officer

1983 * Te Awamutu affiliated* The Correspondence School took over the ante-natal correspondence course* The Social Welfare grant in recognition of our support work began

1984 * Te Kauwhata, Waitara, Manukau, Te Puke, Te Aroha and Gore affiliated* Dargaville wound up* The film Winter’s Child developed

1985 * Cromwell, Inglewood and Whangarei affiliated* Office moved into three rooms at Teachers Training College with the transfer of

the library to Wellington. There were four part-time paid office staff: National Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Librarian and Publicity Officer

*Becoming a Parent book launched by Christchurch and Hamilton Parents Centres

1986 * Breastfeeding, the Lasting Gift film produced and launched* Katikati and Kaikohe affiliated* First Childbirth Education workshop associated with Parents Centre Conference Held in Auckland*Training Manual written and launched

*Birth issues column began in Bulletin

1987 * Family Matters film produced and launched* Motueka affiliated* Parents Centre successfully lobbied J. Watties Canneries to review added salt/sugar

In baby foods *Dannevirke and Turangi went into recess

1988 * Otorohanga, Stratford, Balclutha and Alexandra affiliated* Editorship of the Bulletin moved to Wellington* Andrea Robertson (from associates in childbirth education) spoke at Conference. A relationship with ACE for the training of Childbirth Educators was formed, with a Subsequent decision to set up a Parents Centre CBE group*Tokoroa wound up*Training team established with seven trainers

1989 * Ashburton affiliated* Register of PCNZ CBE’s established* Parents Centre represented at national level on the new College of Midwives* Parents Centre changed its name to Parents Centres New Zealand Inc* First national Childbirth Educators New Zealand meeting held in conjunction with The Parents Centre Conference*Bulletin changed title to Parents Centre magazine*kaikohe in recess

1990 * Waimate affiliated* PCNZ CBE course began* The Trouble with Women launched* New edition of Becoming a Parent launched at Conference by Christchurch and Hamilton Parents Centres after major revision

1991 * Bush Districts and Franklin affiliated* AMP sponsorship began and continued until 1994* National Office shifted from Training College to New Venture Unit in Karori Wellington* Position Statement on biculturalism adopted* Icebreakers & Warm-ups launched* Right from the Start publicity video produced* Training manual second edition published

1992 * Wanganui affiliated* Marketing & Publicity Officer appointed to develop improved marketing of Parents Centre’s services to the community*Ministry of Education funding withdrawn but successful lobbying led to its reinstatement*Handbook revised edition published* PCNZ Philosophy and goals adopted at Conference

1993 * Philosophy and Goals and Mission Statement adopted at Conference* Fifth edition of Becoming a Parent launched* Marketing and Publicity booklet launched* Katikati in recess

* Cromwell wound up

1994 * Wellington North and Wellington South established as two new Centres formed from the The original Wellington Centre*Magazine began trial of retailing through supermarkets and bookshops*Icebreakers & Warm-ups second edition launched*Negotiations with Aoraki Polytechnic for running Childbirth Education course as a joint Venture with Parents Centres New Zealand

1995 * Advocacy and Lobbying Co-coordinator appointed* Advocacy and Lobbying Guide published* Training Manual third edition published* First Aoraki Polytechnic PCNZ joint venture CBE course intake* Christchurch South and Hibiscus Coast affiliated

1996 * Major publicity campaign for “Family Friendly Communities”*East & Bays affiliated* Begin contracting with Regional Health Authority to run CBE classes* Kiwi Parent – new name for the Parents Centre magazine and moved to 6 issues per year

1997 * Parents Centre’s 45th birthday celebrated* Inglewood, Wainuiomata and Waitara wound up* Motueka ceases as a separate Centre and becomes part of Nelson District* Advanced Leadership Certificate discontinued* Kiwi Parent readership survey* Parent and Child Show participation

1998 * Parents Centres national website established* Sharron Cole awarded Life membership* Kimberly Clark sponsorship agreement signed* Bush Districts and Matamata wound up* Motueka became sub-branch of Nelson Districts* Contracts with the Health Funding Authority to run CBE classes

1999 * North Shore Parents Centre splits into 3 Centres: Onewa, Waitemata and Bays North Harbour*New Chief Executive appointed*PCNZ national database established*Database Administrator position established*Moving and Munching course developed and launched*Westpac Trust membership initiative established*Bequest programme launched*Parenting Smarter not Harder seminars

2000 * Morrinsville Te Aroha becomes a sub-branch of Hamilton* 0900 PARENTS donation line launched* Review of Executive structure established* Development of national Baby and You course

2001 * Regional Co-coordinator positions established* Appointment of a Board to replace Executive members

2002 * Structure change – Strategic Plan* Office venue changed * PC Action replaced Newsbrief* Appointment of new CEO

2010 * commencement of Parenting with a Purpose programme delivered into all New Zealand Prisons

2014 * New Strategic Plan launched

POSITION STATEMENTS OF PARENTS CENTRES NZ INC

ROOMING IN 1958

The New Zealand Federation of Parents Centres would like to draw attention to the success which has attended rooming-in practices both in New Zealand and overseas, in accordance with the recommendations of the W.H.O.’s Expert Committee on Maternity Care and Mental Health. The Federation urges the extension of the type of rooming-in which enables any mother who wishes it and

whose doctor approves to have her baby near her, to feed her baby on a flexible schedule and to receive from a suitably trained staff encouragement, supervision and assistance. Such rooming-in can be particularly helpful in enabling a mother to get to know her first baby, but it should be noted that to be successful the scheme must be flexible. For example, there should be provision for the child to be cared for in a nursery if the mother is tired or unwell.

DOMICILIARY HELP AFTER EARLY DISCHARGE 1958

In view of the current trend towards earlier return home from maternity hospitals, which arises both from pressure on maternity beds and the desire of some mothers to be reunited with their families, the Federation of New Zealand parents Centres wishes to stress the need for provision of more domiciliary nursing and domestic help for those mothers whose early return home is approved by the doctor in charge.

FINLAY REPORT 1960 – RESCINDED 1994

This conference expresses strong support for the Finlay Report, particularly its recommendation that an independent child health council be established, and asks the Government for the earliest implementation of the report. It further reaffirms its belief in the value of voluntary social work and strongly supports the Plunket Society in its attempts to achieve self-determination along the lines recommended by the Finlay report

CHILDCARE 1972 – RESCINDED 1986

This conference views with grave concern the uninformed public pressure to establish a network of child care Centres without adequate safeguards. While recognizing the need of many unsupported mothers for this kind of help, world-wide research has clearly shown that the child under 3 years is emotionally at risk when separated from its mother – only staff training of a high standard, together with a low child-staff ratio, will mitigate some of the negative aspects of substitute care.

HOME BIRTHS 1978

Parents have a right to make an informed decision in conjunction with their medical advisers on where their baby is to be born. We consider that antenatal care and instruction are an essential part of that decision.

ABORTION 1979

We believe in measures that promote healthy family life. We want every child to be a wanted child and feel the question of abortion is a private matter and the privacy of the individual should be respected. Consequently as an organisation we do not have, and do not wish to take an official position on the abortion issue.

NUCLEAR FREE ZONE 1983

That recognizing the threat of nuclear war is the ultimate parenting issue, this Conference calls on the Government to declare New Zealand a Nuclear Free Zone. In addition that it advocates total world nuclear disarmament.

CHILDCARE 1986

That the Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres rescinds its April 1972 policy statement on child care Centres and adopts the following as a new position statement on child care:

That the Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres supports the provision of child care services for 0-5 years old and 5-14 year olds provided the care is of high quality with trained staff and low child/staff ratios. The Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres recognises the potential of child care services to contribute to the support of families, enabling participating in society by all parents in whatever manner they choose and in doing so, providing an enriched, nurturing environment for children.

WAR TOYS 1986

The Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres strongly resists the promotion and sale of any toy that encourages the acceptance of violence and aggressiveness and the glorification of war.

BREASTFEEDING 1987

Parents Centre believe that breastfeeding is the best form of infant feeding and will promote this position as breastfeeding has nutritional, immunological and psychological benefits to the infant.

Parents Centre holds the position that it will educate parents to enable them to make an informed decision about infant feeding and support them in their choice.

CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS 1987

That the Federation of New Zealand Parents Centres encourages its members to restrict their usage of products containing chlorofluorocarbons

USE OF ULTRASOUND 1990

Parents Centres New Zealand believes that the use of ultrasound in pregnancy should be limited to medically indicated cases. Because of the uncertainty which still surrounds possible long-term adverse effects we do not support the routine use of ultrasound during pregnancy

BICULTURALISM 1991

PCNZ is committed to biculturalism and endorses the principles inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi

PORNOGRAPHY 1991

Parents Centres New Zealand strongly opposes all pornography especially that which exploits children and/or pregnant or lactating women. As an organisation which values families we believe all pornography should be banned.

FINLAY REPORT 1994

That PCNZ rescinds the June 1960 position statement on the Finlay Report.

INDIVIDUALISED CARE DURING PREGNANCY AND BIRTH 1995

Parents Centres New Zealand believes that the administration of any test, treatment or procedure during pregnancy and childbirth should occur only with the informed consent of the woman.

INFORMED CHOICE FOR IMMUNISATION 1995

Parents Centres New Zealand believes that all parents have the right to be fully informed about the advantages and disadvantages of immunization which would enable them to make an informed decision on behalf of their children

CHILD ABUSE 2000

Parents Centres New Zealand strongly opposes all forms of child abuse

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE 2001

Parents Centres New Zealand is committed to promoting positive, non-violent methods of disciplining children

BABY FRIENDLY HOSPITAL INITIATIVE 2001

Parents Centres New Zealand full supports the implementation of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative’s “Ten steps to successful breastfeeding” in all maternity facilities in New Zealand

RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 2002

Parents Centre New Zealand supports the United Nations convention on the rights of the child

LABELLING OF FOOD PRODUCTS 2002

Parents Centre New Zealand supports full labelling of all food products

SECTION 59 OF THE CRIMES ACT 2002

Parents Centres New Zealand supports the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 2011

Parents Centres believes that to build an inclusive and safe New Zealand, the principle focus of the criminal justice system should be on restorative justice. It should punish and incarcerate those offenders whom it is truly necessary to remove from the community but recognize that effective justice which contributes to a safer New Zealand should emphasise rehabilitation and reintegration.

RESPONSIVE PARENTING 2014

Parents Centres believe in sensitive, responsive parenting throughout all stages of a child’s life. Children parented in this way form secure attachments and enjoy better mental and physical health. Parents Centres endorse flexible feeding and/or sleeping routines that are responsive to babies and family’s needs.

PHILOSOPHY OF PARENTS CENTRES NEW ZEALAND INCParents Centre endorses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations (1971) which proclaims that all of the human family, without distinction of any kind, have equal and inalienable rights of human dignity and freedom to education and training to enable development of their abilities to their fullest potential.

Parents Centre is committed to biculturalism and endorses the principles inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi

The philosophy underlying PCNZ’s policy development, programme delivery and management procedures is based on the following principles:

1. Parenting is a vital role in the community and it should be recognized, valued and supported by decision-makers, authorities, health and education professionals and the community in general.

2. Parenting is a lifetime commitment which deserves the same recognition as any other career option available in the community

3. Prospective parents, parents and families have the right to quality parenting and childbirth education and information, enabling them to make informed decisions on their parenting role

4. Birth is a significant life event and a normal physiological process. Enhancing the knowledge, skills and self-awareness of expectant parents contributes to a positive and affirming pregnancy and birth experience

5. Childbirth education, provided by trained and qualified educators, can lead to personal growth, enhance birth experiences and enrich family life

6. Parent education and support provided by parents for parents is an integral part of Parents Centre

7. Participatory learning principles and techniques are the most effective method of adult education

8. Breastfeeding is the ideal form of infant feeding

9. Participating as a volunteer worker in Parents Centre contributes to self-development and personal fulfilment

10. Awareness and understanding of other cultures within New Zealand society encourages respect for and acceptance of cultural diversity

11. Children are to be respected and valued. They have the right to an environment in which their development is nurtured and their well-being protected and promoted.

GOALS OF PARENTS CENTRES NEW ZEALAND INC

Parents Centre has adopted the following organisation-wide goals. They represent the ideals strived for in the delivery of services and in the operation of the organisation at both local and national levels. It is envisaged that each Centre will develop a long-term plan to achieve these goals.

GOALS FOR SERVICES

Parenting Education1. Quality parenting education accessible to parents and prospective parents, and to other

interested groups in the community

Childbirth Education

2. Quality childbirth education accessible to prospective and expectant parents

Parent Support

3. Networks for parents to support and learn from other parents

Advocacy

4. Birthing and parenting recognized and valued by all sectors of the community

GOALS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE ORGANISATION

Volunteer and Paid workers

5. Trained, competent and accountable volunteer and paid workers

6. Ongoing training and support for all volunteer and paid workers

7. Fair personnel policy and practices for all paid workers

8. Role descriptions for all volunteers

Policy Making

9. Efficient and consultative policy-making, which is consistent with PCNZ philosophy

Management

10. Effective and efficient administrative and management procedures

Facilities

11. Facilities and equipment, which is appropriate and safe

Finance

12. Effective and efficient financial planning, management and control

Relationships

13. A well-planned public relations and marketing programme

14. Liaison with professional and community networks

15. Effective advocacy and lobbying

Organisation Standards

16. Standards formulated for programmes throughout the organisation

Planning and Evaluation

17. Effective planning and evaluation of programmes and management at all levels

Equity

18. Personnel procedures and programmes that do not discriminate on the basis of gender, culture, belief, status or age

Participation

19. Co-operative and active participation of all Parents Centres in PCNZ, and a willingness by all parties to contribute to and uphold philosophy and policy agreed to collectively by the organisation

Our Proud History…Parents Centres have been supporting parents for six decades, keeping up to date and relevant to parenting today – and we continue to lead the way in the wonderful world of parenting!

We have a long list of proud achievements since 1952 which include:

Initiation of antenatal education classes in New Zealand Advocating for mother’s maternity needs, including informed consent to obstetric procedures

such as use of anesthetics Promotion of breastfeeding as being best for baby Successful lobbying for open visiting hours and parents-stay for children in hospital Pioneering classes for adoptive parents Supporting domiciliary midwifery as an option Introducing on-going postnatal support groups Representing parents on government committees Providing training in leadership skills and personal and professional development for volunteers Establishing the only recognized New Zealand diploma for training Childbirth Educators and

continuing to run this in partnership with Aoraki Polytechnic Ongoing development of Parent Education programmes Lobbying for and supporting legislative changes that protect the rights of children at all times Promoting flexible working conditions for parents Establishing Parenting Programmes in 19 of New Zealand prisons Lobbying to improve the housing conditions and health of New Zealand’s most vulnerable

families

PARENTS CENTRE’S NATIONAL SUITE OF PARENTING PROGRAMMES includes:

Baby and You

Moving and Munching

Tinies to Tots

Movement and Music

Return to Work

Magic Moments

Parenting with Purpose

Note:

Magic Moments and Parenting with Purpose are the organisation’s conscious parenting programmes. These two programmes must be facilitated by a trained facilitator who has completed the Parents Centres New Zealand Inc. training Workshop contact enquiries @parentscentre.org.nz for more details

Baby and You classes are primarily run by qualified nationally contracted Childbirth Educators

Other programmes must be facilitated by speakers qualified in the topic.

MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING

The organisation has several memoranda of understanding with other organisations who align with Parents Centre’s philosophy. We work together both nationally and locally to support each other in any way we can. These organisations include:

Plunket

Pregnancy Help

DIY Father

Skylight Trust

College of Midwives

MAXIMISING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships defined

The strategic partnerships within Parents Centres New Zealand Inc are a voluntary, collaborative agreement between two or more parties in which all participants agree to work together to achieve a common purpose or undertake a specific task and to share responsibilities, resources, competencies and benefits.

Why partner with others?

Meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. Our strategic partnerships help us to make continuous improvements

The key features of effective strategic partnerships within Parents Centres are:

The voluntary nature of the partnerships There is a common interest A mutual dependency to share responsibilities, resources, competencies and benefits A commitment and agreement on the part of all participants Working together at all levels and stages from the initiative and implementation of the

partnership through to evaluation Complimentary support for the organisation and its members and for the partner Shared competencies and resources – our strategic partnerships are a mechanism to leverage

assets and different types of resources and competencies Based on good communication Based on respect and trust

How it works?

Purpose

Provide benefits to our Centres and membership. To promote partner services and products to members and the wider community

Process used

Understand and consulting

Clarity of roles and responsibilities Understanding resource needs, capacities and constraints Communication – regular, open, transparent with accountability for joint decision making

Monitoring progress

Evaluating and celebrating successes Continuous learning and adaptation

The Contract or Agreement

Specifies how the co-operative nature of the partnership will work Clearly states what each party can access as regards resources and capabilities Outlines opportunities to create an enhanced future for both parties Allows for monitoring and evaluation processes Creates a win-win focus and mindset

Benefits to Centres

Opportunities exist for collaboration at a local Centre level Mutual exchange of information for newsletter distribution Speaker opportunities Giveaways of product for parenting programme support, raffles, special events Discounts Access to specific member offers

The link to access information about the current strategic partners of Parents Centres can be found at…

http://www.parentscentre.org.nz/about/partners.asp