At Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand, one of our primary missions is to make a meaningful impact on education in New Zealand. We want to ensure that every tamaiti/rangatahi receives the best Montessori education journey. This means being strong advocates for the education sectors – early childhood, primary and secondary. Our commitment extends to ensuring government policies are balanced in favour of high-quality, accessible and affordable education.
We champion the rights and recognition of all kaiako. We believe that supporting and valuing our educators is not only essential to fostering an enriching learning environment for children and adolescence but also crucial for our kaiako, as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Through ongoing professional development, policy advocacy and innovative resources, we aim to elevate the status and well-being of all teachers as they are pivotal to the success and sustainability of education in Aotearoa.
Thousands of children in New Zealand are still waiting for specialist learning support. According to the Ministry of Education, 4,551 children were on waiting lists in September 2026. On average, children waited 86 days for communication support and 79 days for early intervention. Cathy Wilson, Chief Executive of Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand, says many early…
Read moreMontessori Aotearoa New Zealand is calling for immediate Government action following the Waitangi Tribunal’s findings on the national curriculum. We encourage the Government to work with Māori and the education sector so the curriculum honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and properly recognises te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori.
Read moreMANZ supports a fairer and simpler Early Childhood Education funding system, but believes quality must not be lost. Our submission asks for ongoing support for qualified teachers, more funding where it is needed most, less paperwork, and a model that protects different types of services while keeping children’s outcomes as the main focus.
Read moreMontessori Aotearoa New Zealand supports stronger child protection measures, but says meaningful change requires more than compliance and reporting. In its 2026 submission, MANZ calls for nationally consistent training, stronger multi-agency collaboration and a well-resourced system that ensures tamariki and whānau receive timely, coordinated and effective support.
Read moreEarly Childhood Education services are under severe financial strain, with hundreds of closures already and more predicted. Budget 2025 funding adjustments do not meet rising costs or pay parity obligations. Without urgent Government support, thousands of tamariki risk losing access to quality early learning across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Read moreOver 190,000 children are at risk because early learning services may close due to a lack of funding. As Budget 2026 approaches, Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand calls for a 5% funding increase to ensure access to quality education nationwide.
Read moreMontessori Aotearoa New Zealand opposes shifting teacher education functions to the Ministry of Education, warning of risks to professional independence. The submission supports thoughtful change but urges caution, particularly around ECE regulation, curriculum reform, and sector capability. MANZ calls for teacher-led systems, clear planning, and collaboration to protect the quality of education and trust.
Read moreMontessori Aotearoa New Zealand supports urgent calls to redirect $162 million in unspent Family Boost funding into Early Childhood Education. With centres facing closure, tamariki and whānau risk losing access to quality early learning. A simple funding shift could keep doors open, fees down and futures strong.
Read moreEducation sector groups, including Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand, have signed a letter opposing the Minister’s plan to strip the Teaching Council of its independent function. They warn that removing teacher‑led decision‑making and handing control to the Ministry risks the standards that protect both students and the teaching profession.
Read moreA $104 million funding gap could force up to 400 early childhood education (ECE) centres to close, placing thousands of children and families at risk. The 0.5 per cent funding increase in Budget 2025 is not enough to handle rising costs. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand calls on the Government to act now, redirecting Family Boost underspend and reforming funding before the sector collapses.
Read moreMANZ welcomes the proposed changes to ECE regulations but wants clearer guidelines on enforcement thresholds, the roles of specialists, and fairness in the process. We believe in a balanced approach that ensures the wellbeing of tamariki while keeping trust in services.
Read moreUp to 400 ECE centres are at risk of closure in the following year. With rising costs and static funding, some centres face six-figure shortfalls. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand joins calls to redirect unspent FamilyBoost funds to prevent disruption for tamariki, whānau and kaiako.
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