We want tamariki | children to grow and thrive during their time learning, so they enjoy greater opportunities throughout their lifetime. We are now working to modernise aspects of early childhood education in New Zealand, so these critical services are safe, accessible, and affordable now and in the years to come.

Regulated early childhood education (ECE) services give parents and whānau confidence that early childhood education and care services are safe learning environments. These services provide a warm and welcoming space for children to learn and grow, while also making it possible for parents to participate in the workforce.

These pages explain the changes happening now in early childhood education and care services, and proposed future changes, some of which are subject to further decisions including regulation or legislative change.