Early childhood education is a public good.
This year is a critical moment for ECE in Aotearoa. Decisions made now will determine whether kindergartens remain a strong public service and whether quality, tamariki-centred education is protected.

Kindergartens Aotearoa represents more than 260 kindergartens and 12,000 tamariki nationwide. We believe every child deserves the best start in life, with qualified kaiako, safe and inclusive environments, fair conditions, and strong regulation.

As kaiako, kaimahi and whānau, our voices matter. E Tū Kaha supports us to stand strong together.

We are advocating for

• ECE that is free, equitable and accessible for all tamariki
• 100% qualified teachers in regulated positions
• Fair teacher-to-child ratios and small group sizes
• Pay parity, professional conditions and a Living Wage for all kaimahi
• Ongoing professional development and support
• Keeping kindergartens in the public sector as an anchor for quality across ECE
  

Why this matters

High-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing and belonging. When we invest in kindergartens, in kaiako, in whānau, and in strong public provision, we invest in the future of Aotearoa.

E Tū Kaha is about protecting what works, strengthening what matters, and ensuring all tamariki can access quality early learning in their community.

 

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E Tū Kaha: Advocacy resources and guides

This kete brings together practical tools to help kaiako, kaimahi and whānau take informed, confident advocacy action.

1. Start Here

E Tū Kaha advocacy kete

A practical advocacy kete created to support kaiako and communities to engage in political conversations and actions.

👉 E Tū Kaha Advocacy Kete

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2. Learn the Issues – Understanding ECE & Policy

Foundations of Early Childhood Education

A clear one-page overview of what quality early childhood education is, why it matters, and why it must be protected as a public good.

👉 Foundations of Early Childhood Education – One pager

Te mana o te tamaiti – Upholding integrity in ECE regulatory reform

An in-depth article by Amanda Coulston examining recent regulatory reforms and their implications for children’s wellbeing, quality, and equity across the ECE sector.

👉 Te mana o te tamaiti – Article

Reference sheet: Government policies directly affecting Māori

A reference document outlining key government policies with direct impacts on Māori, relevant to ECE advocacy and Tiriti-based approaches.

👉 Government policies affecting Māori – Reference sheet

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3. Take Action

Find and connect with your local MPs

If you’re planning to host an MP or candidate, start by identifying who represents your electorate.
Find your electorate and local MPs:

👉 Find your electorate | Vote NZ

ECE Lobbying Guide (NZEI)

A step-by-step guide to meeting with MPs — especially those in government — covering FAQs, planning tips, key messages and a worksheet to help you prepare and reflect.

👉 ECE Lobbying Guide (NZEI)

How to host MPs and election candidates at kindergartens

A practical guide on inviting MPs or candidates into kindergartens, including talking points and tips for hosting visits that centre tamariki, kaiako and whānau voices.

👉 Hosting MPs and Candidates at Kindergartens

Ngā mihi Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens for developing this kete.