Opposition parties demand a child-centric approach to early childhood education.
The Labour Party, the Green Party, and Te Pāti Māori have released a joint report calling for the protection of early childhood education as a public good. The report is based on public hearings held in August and September, which highlighted concerns that the Government's sector review could lead to privatisation and diminished standards.
Labour's education spokesperson Jan Tinetti emphasized the importance of treating early childhood education as a public good, saying it sets the foundations for a child's life. "What happens in their early years affects them forever," she stated. The report highlights the need for regulation to protect from privatisation, recommendations for tamariki wellbeing, fair and adequate funding, and recognition of the unique status and autonomy of Kōhanga and Puna Reo.
Te Pāti Māori's education spokesperson Tākuta Ferris noted that prioritizing tamariki Māori was a key theme in the report. The Green Party's early childhood education spokesperson Teanau Tuiono emphasized the importance of culturally responsive education, saying it is essential for all children to thrive.
The opposition parties are urging the Government to prioritize a child-centric approach to early childhood education and to ensure that decisions about the sector are made with the needs and well-being of children at their heart.