Need-to-know | Me mātua mōhio#
Consultation on regulatory amendments#
Consultation is currently open on proposed amendments to the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.
These changes are intended to allow a broader range of enforcement actions for different types of non-compliance by early childhood services. These changes will:
- introduce new tools with different levels of compliance to make sure the regulations and licensing criteria are followed
- allow the proposed Director of Regulation to issue a public notification of non-compliance
- raise the threshold for licence reclassification and suspension.
Submissions can be made by email or online survey until 19 October. To have your say, visit the website below. Thank you to all those who have already submitted and engaged with our consultation process.
Consultation on ECE Regulations
Late RS7 submissions#
RS7 returns received after 10 October, but before 7 November, will be processed for payment on 20 November.
Resubmissions
Each service is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the data submitted. Resubmissions are available to correct genuine errors or oversights that emerge.
• For the June 2025 to September 2025 period, this should be made electronically.
• For the October 2024 to May 2025 period, this should be submitted using a paper-based RS7 form.
Resubmissions relating to any time before October 2024 will not be processed. Please ensure that all records are documented and filed for auditing purposes.
Proposed removal of 20th of the month payments from July 2026#
The introduction of Pourato has streamlined the way RS7s are submitted and processed. We will extend the submission dates of RS7s for services in 2026.
This means the processing of a second payment in July, November and March will no longer be necessary.
From July 2026, we are proposing to no longer process bulk funding payments on 20 July, 20 November and 20 March. Any late submissions will be paid on the first of the following month.
Heads-up | He kupu puaki#
Toy Safety Week: 20 to 27 October #
Toy Safety Week is a new national campaign led by Whānau Āwhina Plunket, Safekids Aotearoa, and partners to raise awareness about toy safety.
The campaign encourages caregivers, whānau, and early childhood educators to choose safe, age-appropriate toys from reputable suppliers that meet New Zealand safety standards – especially ahead of the gifting season.
For more information, visit:
Toy product safety – Starship
Feel free to share this information with your families and community.
This is also a timely reminder to check that all items used in your service, including toys, equipment and art supplies are safe, hygienic and age appropriate. Be cautious when purchasing from overseas online marketplaces, as some products may not meet New Zealand safety standards and could contain hazardous substances like heavy metals.
Escape. Hide. Tell: What to do in an armed offender attack in a crowded place#
The New Zealand Government has launched a campaign to help people stay safe in the unlikely event of an armed offender attack in a crowded place.
Remember: Escape. Hide. Tell:
- Escape if it’s safe.
- Hide and silence your phone.
- Tell Police by calling 111 when safe.
Start the kōrero with your whānau, workplace or community.
Find resources and more information can be found on the New Zealand Police website:
