Up to 400 Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres may be forced to close within the next year, according to new analysis from the ECE Sector Partnership, which represents about two-thirds of the sector. The closures would affect thousands of whānau, particularly in regional and lower-income areas where alternatives are scarce. Centres face a widening gap between rising operational costs and static government funding. On average, providers are reporting annual shortfalls of $41,000, with some facing deficits of over $160,000.
Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand supports the call to redirect unspent FamilyBoost funding to stabilise the sector. Chief executive Cathy Wilson says the proposed reprioritisation could help keep centres open, protect low-fee models, and prevent disruption for tamariki.
You can read the full article on stuff.co.nz.
As many as 400 ECE centres could close in next year, group representing ECEs says
Monday, October 13, 2025
Hundreds of early childhood education centres could close within the next year, leaving thousands of families without childcare options as higher operational costs make it harder for providers to stay afloat, according to new analysis.
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