Pressure is mounting on the Government to prioritise early childhood education in Budget 2026, with warnings that underfunding is putting the quality and sustainability of services at risk across Aotearoa.
Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand says the sector is facing increasing strain from rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and growing expectations, while funding levels continue to fall short of what is needed to deliver high-quality education and care.
Concerns are being raised that services are already being forced into difficult decisions to remain financially viable, with some centres closing under pressure. The situation is being described as a tipping point, where ongoing underinvestment is beginning to impact the quality of provision for tamariki and whānau.
Teacher-led early childhood education is being highlighted as a critical foundation for positive outcomes, with evidence showing that qualified teachers and strong teaching practice play a key role in supporting children’s development. These early years are seen as essential in shaping lifelong learning, wellbeing, and health outcomes.
However, there are growing fears that without adequate funding, services may shift toward lower-cost staffing models with fewer qualified teachers. This could reduce the quality of teaching, increase pressure on existing staff, and limit the ability to identify and support children with additional needs.
The sector is calling for funding that reflects the real cost of delivering quality early childhood education, alongside stronger investment in workforce development, teacher retention, and equitable access for all communities.
There is also concern that continued underfunding could undermine the professional status of early childhood educators, shifting the sector away from a focus on education toward basic supervision.
The call comes as the Government prepares its next Budget, with advocates urging decision-makers to view early childhood education as a long-term investment in the country’s future, rather than a discretionary expense.
The outcome of Budget 2026 is expected to play a significant role in determining the direction of early childhood education, with the sector seeking meaningful support to ensure tamariki continue to receive the quality learning environments they need.
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