Early learning services open as normal under new Fuel Response Plan #
Today, the Government released a new Fuel Response Plan aligned with the National Fuel Plan that provides Response Phases to help manage the impact on fuel distribution across New Zealand.
New Zealand is at Response Phase 1, which means there is currently minimal impact on fuel distribution across the country.
Over the next week, we’ll be reaching out to early learning services to understand what your concerns are and how we can best support you. Our team will continue to provide regular contact with early learning services. This will help with developing plans and any timely, targeted, temporary support where substantial need may occur.
The Fuel Response Plan is about being prepared; it is not a predetermined pathway forward. It provides clarity, confidence, and a shared understanding of how New Zealand would respond if conditions changed.
Ministers have been clear and transparent today that there is no immediate cause for alarm. We currently have sufficient fuel stocks in the country and en route, with good confidence across fuel orders through to the end of May.
You can read more about the Fuel Response Plan here:
Fuel Response Plan 2026 [PDF, 206 KB]
Early learning services are open and generally operating as normal. While we are at Response Phase 1, it’s helpful for you to plan and be as prepared as possible and here are some things you can consider now:
- reviewing your business continuity plans including if your early learning service is ready if there is a change to current settings
- possible impact and practical support for children and families
- clarifying business-as-usual options for relief teachers
- reading the fuel efficiency information available on Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority’s website and consider what steps you can take to ensure your usage across any transport you operate is as efficient as possible.
What we are currently doing#
We acknowledge those early learning services and communities that are impacted by this week’s severe weather, and our regional teams are already working with you providing support. They are also here to support you as we work through the current fuel situation.
We are working with your key stakeholder groups, so we can provide joined up support and so that we can plan appropriately should phases 2-4 of the fuel plan need to be used.
We recognise the fuel situation may create challenges for some families and impact attendance of children and staff. We understand this comes with some concern around funding implications. At this stage, the standard absence and attendance rules, emergency closure and discretionary hours/situations provisions set out in the Funding Handbook continue to apply. All regulatory requirements remain in place.
You can find out more at:
Absence rules:
6-4 Absence rules – Ministry of Education
Absence rule exemptions:
7-7 Absence rule exemptions – Ministry of Education
Discretionary hours:
Certificated teacher absences and discretionary hours
Discretionary situations:
3-C-3 Playcentres: Discretionary situations for playcentres
Emergency closure:
Next steps#
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and further guidance through Bulletins, should there be changes in settings or requirements.
Additional information#
Fuel and transport pressures will affect early learning services and their communities differently depending on location and circumstance. The government announcements below may be of interest to your communities.
A relief package targeted at those receiving the in-work tax credit worth up to $50 a week for up to a year, or until the price of 91 fuel stays below $3 for at least 4 weeks.
