Can a centre really be closed because of a train driver honking his horn?
ANALYSIS/OPINION. 5 June 2025.
When justifying the incoming changes to ECE regulations, Associate Education Minister David Seymour has repeatedly used a service provider having to try to mitigate train noise as an example of “arbitrary” rules services are expected
NZ’s own specialist ECE newsroom.
Access national and local stories, in-depth analysis, & original commentaries.
(Comes with free Newsroom and Research access)
(Comes with free Newsroom and Research access)
Full access to over 25 years of ECE academic research articles – NZIRECE Journal.
Plus, guidance and resources on doing and publishing research
Has this been useful? Give us your feedback.
You are welcome to add a link to this page on your website. Copyright belongs to the OECE so please do not copy any content without our written permission.
Information provided is of a general nature. It is provided ‘as is’, and we accept no liability for its accuracy or completeness. See our Terms and Conditions.
Anyone thinking about getting a job in ECE working in ECE or thinking about moving to a different service will find clear, practical information in this article about pay rates, employment conditions, and what to expect in different roles. It explains everything from starting salaries and pay‑step calculations to workplace rights, benefits, and how to recognise a supportive, professional environment.
Discover the key organisations and sector groups shaping early childhood education in New Zealand – who they are, what they do, and how they influence the services, policies, and people at the heart of the ECE sector.
Getting a job. How can my ECE qualification help me to get a job? With an early childhood teaching qualification you may find yourself attractive
A good sandpit design for an ECE service sees it being large enough to accommodate half or more of the children attending. It should provide enough room for each child to stand or sit and dig without touching or getting sand on another child.
In home-based settings, the sandpit design should make sure it is of sufficient size to accommodate
November 5, 2019. There has been a bit of a flap in the media about Immigration NZ and pay rates for ECE teachers recruited from
Making Pet Rocks.
This is a fun activity for ages 2 – 102 – so its highly suitable to involve parents and grandparents in doing too alongside their children.
This can be done inside or at an outside table. , to produce something that reflects the personal style of the creator.
Brilliant for building imagination and creativity, leading
Government does not want to be involved in kindergartens. Article key points. Victoria Carter, Vice-President of the AKA argues that bulk funding shows the government
Does your ECE service meet requirements for staff meal and rest breaks? Check your legal duties now and learn how to manage breaks well.
Log in with your member details to read more. If your membership has lapsed and you’d like to renew – or if you’re interested in becoming a member – just get in touch with us and we’ll help you get started.
Running an early childhood service is demanding, and ensuring smooth staffing throughout the day can be challenging.
Most ECE employers genuinely want to support their staff and run a safe, high‑quality service. Providing rest and meal breaks is a key part of that.
This article outlines what employers must legally provide, why exemptions do not apply to ECE, and how to manage breaks while operating and maintaining a high standard of service.
Making the Funding Work for Your Centre.
There are new pay scales for full pay parity. Services that opt into the kindergarten funding rate must attest to paying their teachers the full kindergarten pay scale!
Other funding options linked to no salary attestation requirement (base funding), and ersatz or fake pay parity (oddly given the names by the MoE of “parity” and “extended pay parity funding”) rates will continue to be offered.
Cabinet promised (Budget 2023 announcement) from 1 November 2023 the same funding that kindergartens are paid for full pay parity will also be paid to all centres that opt-in to pay their teachers on the full kindergarten scale.
Help spread this vital ECE information, join our free social and email groups and become a member of OECE.
Sign up to our free newsletters.
