On 15 December 2025, the Education and Workforce Select Committee expanded the scope for submissions on the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill to include submitters’ views on the proposed transfer of early childhood education (ECE) regulatory functions from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO).

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament

The Government’s intent to transfer these ECE functions was announced in July 2025 and legislation is needed to make this proposed change. The Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill has now been confirmed as the method of enacting this change. The Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill had its first Reading in Parliament in November 2025 and is now at the Select Committee public submission phase.

The proposal to transfer these regulatory functions was not included in the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill, as it would amend another Act – the Education and Training (Early Childhood Education Reform) Amendment Act 2025.

Education and Training (Early Childhood Education Reform) Amendment Act 2025 – New Zealand Parliament.

This Act establishes a Director of Regulation within the Ministry of Education, who will have functions related to licensing, monitoring, and compliance of ECE.  This Act became law on 26 November 2025 and comes into force on 23 February 2026. 

The proposal for the transfer of the Director of Regulation role and ECE functions to ERO would be included by adding an amendment to the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill. 

Submissions to the Education and Workforce Select Committee on the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill can be made until 14 January 2026.

Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliament

Information is available on the Select Committee submission page – New Zealand Parliament.