Media Releases

Early 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.

Over 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.

Montessori 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.

A $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.

Up 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.

Over 5,000 children are waiting for specialist learning support, but official data showing an 88‑day average wait masks much longer real delays. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand centres report waits of up to nine months. Without faster access, children risk falling further behind academically, socially and emotionally.

Te Whāriki is a globally respected early learning curriculum that puts relationships, culture, and identity at the heart of education. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand joins the call to protect and promote this taonga, which supports every tamaiti to thrive.

The government plans to cut Early Childhood Education staffing costs, risking lowering teacher pay, reducing qualifications, and deepening inequity. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand warns these moves will harm tamariki’s learning, worsen workforce shortages, and erode quality. The sector is urging proper funding, fair pay, and high standards across all early learning services.

ECE leaders welcome plans to shift licensing from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office, aiming for greater clarity and consistency. While the change offers promise, success depends on resourcing, workforce capability, and a focus on quality outcomes for tamariki.

Government cost-cutting measures in early childhood education are threatening teacher pay, quality, and equity. Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand warns of serious risks to tamariki and calls for a funding approach that values qualified teachers and supports all communities.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Sector Leaders congratulate those appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) leading the Government’s comprehensive review of ECE funding.