Kindergartens Aotearoa

Kindergartens Aotearoa is building  a strong, enduring future for kindergartens and communities in Aotearoa

Ko Wai Mātou?

As a collective of kindergarten organisations we promote equity and excellence in teaching and learning, and work to meet the needs and aspirations of tamariki, whānau, and our communities.

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Advocacy

Updates, insights, research and tools to support and empower our ECE community

How much longer? Four decades of shifting politics in teacher qualifications

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How the 2024 ECE Regulations Review frames teacher qualification issues

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Early childhood education as a public good: Challenges and possibilities

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Revernacularisation of te reo Māori and critical pedagogies in Kōhanga Reo

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Introducing Inspired Kindergartens

In this series of blog posts we’re introducing our member organisations and shining a light on their mahi and their community impact. Learn more

Kindergartens Welcome Learning Support Spending but Criticise Effective Cut in Base Funding

Kindergartens Aotearoa welcomes the increase in learning support funding announced in the budget which will see an increase in early intervention teachers and reducing waitlists for children who need support. Learn more

Kindergartens Support Green Policy on Early Childhood Education

Kindergartens Aotearoa supports the early childhood education policy announced by the Green Party... Learn more

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Kindergartens Call on Government To Value Women

Kindergartens Aotearoa is appalled at the Government’s move to continue to underpay women by millions of dollars by axing pay equity legislation. Learn more

Kindergartens Aotearoa supports government move to pay teacher registration fees

Kindergartens Aotearoa commends the government for its announcement that it will back teachers by funding registration and practising certificate fees. Learn more

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Kindergartens Aotearoa opposes government putting business interests before children in ECE

In a recent announcement, the government has put forward a bill to reduce regulations on ECE. Learn more

Woman and 4 kindergarten children bending over a vegetable garden

Kaitiaki Kindergartens: tamariki-led environment action and impact

In this series of blog posts we’re introducing our member organisations and shining a light on their mahi and their community impact. Learn more

Letter to Minister re: concerns about ECE Regulatory Review recommendations

We have concern about the recommendations set out in the Ministry of Regulation’s Regulatory Review of Early Childhood Education released on Wednesday 18 December. We believe if implemented, the recommendations will undermine the quality and safety of ECE services. Learn more

Kindergartens Aotearoa on ECE regulations review

A review of early childhood regulations says poor compliance in the sector is putting children at risk of harm. Amanda Coulston from Kindergartens Aotearoa spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Learn more

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Kindergarten group fears rule overhaul will lower standards

RNZ article 18 December 2024 Learn more

Kindergarten boy in green cap playing with a spade in a sandpit

Policy changes in ECE have cost sector years of progress

OPINION: Early childhood education takes place at the most important period in a child’s life, when the most learning occurs and when the foundation for all future learning is set. Learn more

Kindergartens Aotearoa Opposes Lower Standards For Homebased Services

Kindergartens Aotearoa is concerned about the safety of babies and young children in home based early education and care services. Learn more

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Submission to ECE regulatory review

As a collective of early childhood education (ECE) service providers operating 257 licensed services across the country (1), we have considerable experience working with the regulations across government institutions, regional councils and territorial authorities. Learn more

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Opinion piece: ECE - an investment in our future

Early childhood education (ECE) is the first sector to be scrutinised by the government’s new Ministry of Regulation. Learn more

kindergarten children playing in green back yard

Kindergartens Decry Government Moves To Cut Pay

decades of progress has been reversed as the government’s move to reduce qualified relief and fixed term teachers’ pay to the minimum wage takes effect. Learn more

Early Childhood Council Submission A Cynical Attempt To Drive Down Standards

Private centres are trying to use the government’s review of regulations to drive down quality and reduce teachers’ pay so they can make greater profits from taxpayer funds. Learn more

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Kindergartens Dismayed By National’s Plan To Scrap 20 Hours Free To Two Year Olds

The National Party’s plan to fund tax cuts by wiping the 20 hours free early childhood funding for two year olds is a dismaying and backwards move Learn more

Budget funding delivers an effective cut to early childhood education

Kindergartens Aotearoa urges the Government to focus future spending on a holistic approach to families to ensure that all children have a great start in life. Learn more

Kindergartens Welcome Increase In Focus On Children

We welcome the government move to increase benefits in six weeks’ time, with all benefits going up by $20 a week, and further increases next April bringing total rises of up to $55 a week. Learn more

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Early Childhood Education – A Tangible And Positive Difference For Children

We welcomes the Government announcements relating to early childhood education. Learn more

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Family Boost Policy Could Miss Target Group

We welcome the news that the government is trying to help parents with childcare fees but is concerned that many families will miss out because of the way the scheme is designed and administered. Learn more

Advocacy