Rōpu.

OMEP Aotearoa has five regional rōpu : Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), Waikato, Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), Waitahaha (Canterbury) and Otago. We have a national rōpu; Ngā Motu, for people who live outside these regions. All rōpu are represented at the national executive committee of OMEP Aotearoa.

Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)

This rōpu started in 1995. Although Covid-19 has impacted face to face meetings, the group has set up Zoom and successfully continues to offer online professional development and learning. A small, but strong group of Auckland members continues to be active in submissions to the government and attendance at the meetings of key ECE organisations.

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Waitaha (Canterbury)

Waitaha Rōpū, originally known as the Canterbury Chapter, was established about 1996. The Chapter has been valuable in bringing together many different areas of the early childhood community: ec teachers, academics, and representatives from initial teacher education providers. Waitaha Rōpū has reached out to early childhood communities in times of great distress such as the Samoan tsunami, Pike River mine disaster, Canterbury Earthquakes and the Mosque attack. Children’s rights and advocating for quality education remain an important focus for the rōpū

Waikato

Details to come

Otago

Has been politically active since its beginning and has responded actively to government policies and plans and the ways in which these could potentially impact on young children and families.  They have hosted political forums prior to elections and have written numerous submissions on government plans, policies and issues impacting on young children.

Whanganui a Tara

Is run by a local committee who organises a monthly professional learning programme. They also work with national efforts to advocate for early childhood, children and whānau through networks and information sharing. Each year the committee chooses a theme relevant to early childhood education on which to focus. A range of speakers and workshops are organised ensuring there is a mix of practical and theoretical topics.
​All people are welcome.

Ngā Motu

Ngā Motu (Country) was set up in June 2018 to cater for any individual or group who were not based in our other Mōtu vicinity or who were a whole country organisation.  We welcome several members from Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Child Poverty Action Group, Te Wānanga Aotearoa and our OMEP Pacific Island Nations.