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In 2018, a draft plan was developed by a Ministerial Advisory Group, a larger Reference Group that includes sector stakeholders, and the Ministry of Education.

The early learning online survey, the findings of the Education Summits and the broader Education Conversation, other work being undertaken in the education portfolio, as well as the latest research have all contributed to the draft plan’s development.

The terms of reference for the strategy were announced by the Minister of Education on 5 April 2018, together with the members of the Ministerial Advisory Group and the Reference Group.

Public consultation on the draft plan ran from November 2018 to March 2019.

Consultation closed

During the consultation phase, we held 44 public hui around the country, attended by more than 1900 people, as well as meetings with key stakeholders. We received 2,264 online survey submissions and 219 written submissions during the consultation period (which closed on 15 March).

Consultation feedback

Overall, at the public hui, through our online survey, and via submission, people told us that they were in agreement with most of the draft Plan’s recommendations. Most highly ranked were improving adult:child ratios and moving towards 100% qualified teachers in teacher-led services.

Who did we hear from?

We heard from a range of sector representatives, and some parents, at the public hui and via submissions. We also commissioned three parent focus groups, held in held in Auckland, Christchurch and Whangarei, to ensure that we captured parent’s view of the plan.
We asked survey respondents which types of early learning services they were involved with, and they said:

  • Kindergartens: 771 responses; 34%
  • Nga kōhanga reo: 101 responses; 4%
  • Playcentres: 311 responses; 14%
  • Home-based early learning service: 225 responses; 10%
  • Education and care services: 1,483 responses; 66%
  • Hospital-based services: 49 responses; 2%
  • Playgroups, ngā puna kōhungahunga or Pacific Island playgroups: 129 responses; 6%
  • Other: 83 responses; 4%.

Two reports which on the outcomes of public consultation are available:

Summary of consultation feedback in NZSL

Other languages

You can download a summary of consultation analysis, in the following languages: