ECE Regulation Review w/ Early Childhood Representative for NZEI, Zane McCarthy: 28 April 2025

The government's proposed changes to ECE regulation have sparked concern among many early childhood educators. 

The New Zealand Education Institute or NZEI says called it a backwards step. Adding it will result in qualified teacher requirements watered down, safety criteria withdrawn, and quality teaching standards removed from centres’ licensing requirements. 

NZEI says “ECE centres' profit margins are the winners here. Tamariki and teachers are the losers.” 

Producer Evie spoke to early childhood educator and early childhood representative on the NZEI National Executive Zane McCarthy about why the proposed changes are such cause for concern.