Advocating for Our Tamariki: A Day with the Ministerial Advisory Group

Working together for a better future in early childhood education

Kia ora e te whānau,

As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping families informed about what’s happening behind the scenes, I want to share an important update from the wider early childhood sector — and Horizons’ role within it.

Last week, I had the privilege of travelling to Christchurch to meet with the Ministerial Advisory Group that is currently reviewing the way early childhood education (ECE) is funded in Aotearoa. Alongside a small group of centre owners and leaders, I was invited to contribute to the discussion and offer real perspectives from the frontline of early learning.

I attended this hui to advocate for tamariki, whānau, kaiako, and our wider community, ensuring the voices of those most affected by funding decisions were heard clearly and respectfully.

Why This Meeting Matters

The advisory group is reviewing the funding system and exploring how it can better support accessibility, quality, and sustainability across early learning services. While we all recognise the incredible value of early childhood education, the current funding model places significant pressure on centres, teachers, and families.

During the hui, key topics discussed included:

• Enhancing participation  

• Promoting equitable access  

• Balancing quality, affordability and sustainability  

• Improving transparency and accountability  

• Creating simplicity  

Every person in the room shared the same central belief: children deserve the very best learning environments, supported by well-resourced teachers and affordable access for all families.

Understanding ECE Funding in Aotearoa

Why the system needs change — and what we’re advocating for on behalf of our tamariki, whānau and kaiako

Kia ora e te whānau,

As part of our commitment to transparent communication through The Inside Scoop, we want to help families understand how early childhood education (ECE) services like Horizons Montessori are funded, and why ongoing change is urgently needed within the sector.

Many parents are surprised to learn that government funding does not come close to covering the full cost of operating a high-quality early learning service. While the government does contribute funding to support early childhood centres, it currently covers only a portion of what it actually costs to run a centre, and services must find ways to cover the shortfall.

How ECE Centres Are Funded

ECE centres are funded through a combination of:

1. Government funding

This funding is calculated through a complex formula that considers things like:

• Teacher qualification levels

• Declared pay parity levels

• Hours children attend

• Age groups

• Ratios

• Location

2. Parent fees

These fees help cover the portion of real operating costs that the government funding does not meet.

The Challenge

Because the government contributes funding, they also set rules and restrictions around how centres can operate — including limiting the ability to set fees independently.

This means:

• Government funding does not meet the cost of running the centre

• Centres are restricted in how much parent fees can increase

• Operating with financial sustainability becomes extremely difficult

The reality is that most centres, including ours, are operating on a shoestring, working incredibly hard to maintain quality without adequate resourcing.

At Horizons, we remain deeply committed to maintaining high ratios, supporting exceptional kaiako, and providing the nurturing environment your children deserve — but we also acknowledge that the current system puts immense pressure on centres, teachers and families.

What We’re Advocating For

At the recent Ministerial Advisory Group hui in Christchurch, I advocated for changes that would genuinely benefit tamariki, whānau and kaiako across Aotearoa. These included:

• Fair and realistic funding

Funding that reflects the real cost of operating — from staffing to resources to compliance.

• Better pay for teachers

So we can attract and retain experienced kaiako who provide the quality education our tamariki deserve.

• Better teacher-to-child ratios

Increasing quality through smaller group sizes and calmer learning environments.

• Lower financial pressure on whānau

So parent fees aren’t forced upward to compensate for under-funding.

• Better support for children with diverse learning needs

Including funding that is easier to access, without unnecessary hoops and long delays.

• 20 Hours ECE from age 2

Supporting better attendance, accessibility for families, and improved workforce participation.

Why This Matters

When funding is fair:

Children receive the attention, time, and care they deserve

Teachers feel valued, supported, and able to stay in the profession

Whānau experience less financial strain

Centres remain stable and sustainable

These changes are not about profit — they are about quality, equity, and long-term wellbeing for tamariki and their whānau.

Moving Forward

Change won’t happen overnight, but this advisory group is a step in the right direction. I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our Horizons community and will keep you updated on progress.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and partnership. Together, we can continue pushing for a system that truly values early childhood education — where funding reflects the importance of these early years and the impact high-quality ECE can have for life.