Early childhood education (ECE) has long been described as the cornerstone of lifelong learning — the place where tamariki first begin to develop the skills, curiosity, and confidence that carry them through school and beyond. But that cornerstone is beginning to crack.
According to new analysis from the Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership, around 400 centres — nearly 8% of the country’s total — could close within the next 12 months. Many of these services are located in regional and low-income areas, where families have no other childcare options. If closures continue at this rate, the consequences for communities, parents, and educators will be severe.
“Early childhood education is the cornerstone of lifelong learning,” says Te Rito Maioha General Manager Nikki Parsons. “Investing in quality ECE isn’t just about supporting tamariki today — it’s about strengthening the future of our entire education system.”
A Sector Under Strain
More than 200,000 children attend early childhood services every day in Aotearoa. ECE doesn’t just prepare children for school — it allows parents to work, study, and contribute to the economy. Yet many providers say they’re struggling to survive.
Minister of Education Erica Stanford recently acknowledged the importance of early learning, noting that many children now arrive at school with poor oral language and reading skills due to reduced interaction at home.
“Early childhood education is extraordinarily important for building good literacy skills,” Stanford said. “That’s why we’ve made sure early numeracy and literacy are being embedded in ECE.”
Despite this recognition, funding remains the central issue. The 2025 Budget increased ECE funding by just 0.5%, well below inflation. The result? Rising operational costs, difficulty retaining qualified teachers, and growing pressure to raise fees — something many families simply can’t afford.
Calls for Immediate Action
Sector leaders are calling on the Government to take responsibility and provide urgent financial relief. One proposal discussed with Minister Stanford was to redirect unspent funds from the FamilyBoost initiative to help struggling centres stay afloat. The Minister responded that such discussions would need to involve Minister Seymour.
Parsons says the time for deflection has passed.
“The sector has been under strain for too long. If the Government is serious about lifting education standards, it must invest in ECE and the qualified teachers who build the foundations for lifelong learning. Either Ministers act, or they risk watching the foundation of our education system crumble.”
A Call to Protect Our Future
ECE leaders are united in their message: sustained, strategic investment is needed to stabilise the sector and secure the future of early learning in New Zealand. Without it, the system that nurtures our youngest learners — and supports the families who rely on it — may collapse.
“It’s time for the Government to stand up rather than deflecting,” says Parsons. “Every child deserves affordable access to high-quality early childhood education. It’s a right, not a privilege.”
Source: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED2510/S00019/early-childhood-education-sector-on-the-brink.htm
