The Green Party protests proposed changes.
The Green Party is calling for the Government to scrap its proposed changes to Early Childhood Care, citing concerns over the prioritization of profits over children's well-being and cultural obligations.
According to Benjamin Doyle, the Green Party spokesperson for Māori Education and Early Childhood Education, the changes undermine the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi by removing obligations to honor mana whenua status of tangata whenua, reducing qualification requirements for teachers, and decreasing protections for those educating future leaders.
The proposed modifications have been met with opposition from a group of children who attended a petition calling for the Government to 'Put tamariki at the heart of decisions about ECE.' Doyle emphasizes that every decision must be made in consideration of these young voices. "Tiakina te rito o te harakeke," he said, meaning "Save the core of the flax plant" or more broadly "put children back at the center."