3. Dr PITA SHARPLES (Co-Leader—Māori Party) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What is the Government doing to address disparities in the numbers of childcare centres accessing the highest rate of funding, illustrated by the fact that 85 percent of Christchurch City centres are on the highest funding rates, whereas in Auckland City just 16 percent of centres are accessing the highest rates?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Acting Minister of Education) Link to this
The funding rates for early childhood services are designed to reflect actual costs. Centres that employ more qualified teachers receive higher funding rates because they have higher costs.
Does the Minister recall his statement on 28 April 2006: “The 20 hour free policy will help to put quality early childhood education within the reach of all New Zealand families.”; if so, how will he explain to those New Zealand families who want quality early childhood education at kōhanga reo why no kōhanga reo appear on the current list of approved early childhood education centres that will benefit from the new 20 hours free campaign?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
Cabinet has agreed that 20 hours free will be available to kōhanga reo that use qualified kaiako. But we also recognise that at this stage many kōhanga reo do not fit the current definition of a teacher-led service. We are working very closely with Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust and the New Zealand Educational Institute, and the ministry, along with the trust, is confident that we will get to a better place.
Hon Tau HenareWhy are only some of the kōhanga reo eligible for the 20 hours free when the whole movement of kōhanga reo—500 or so—is actually whānau-led, which means they will not be eligible for the 20 hours free, and has the Government now changed its policy on recognising whānau-led or parent-led early childhood centres for the 20 hours free?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
Kōhanga reo have, like all early childhood centres, received substantial adjustments to keep pace with increased cost. They are also eligible for higher funding rates where they employ qualified teachers. A lot of work is going on at the moment in relation to the relevance of whakapakari and the utilisation of that.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I asked specifically about kōhanga reo being whānau-led and the 20 hours free, not whether the rates in different early childhood centres were to be addressed. I asked why some kōhanga would be eligible for the 20 hours free, but not all of them.
Madam SPEAKERI thought the Minister did address the question but if he has anything more to add, I am sure the member would like to hear it. No, he does not.
Moana MackeyWhat is the Government doing to increase the number of qualified teachers available in the early childhood education sector?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
The Government has invested nearly $500 million over the last 6 years to lift teacher quality. Initiatives to support teacher supply include 700 early childhood education TeachNZ scholarships, incentive grants to early childhood services, study grants and relocation grants, and free recognition of prior learning. Through these initiatives the Government is on target to meet its goal of 100 percent in 2012.
Why have kōhanga reo been left off the list for the 20 hours, given that, for example, Hoani Waititi kōhanga reo has three trained, certified teachers in that kōhanga reo?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
I am not too conversant in the exact facts about Hoani Waititi Marae, knowing that Dr Sharples has a lot of whānau there. But let me be clear again. Cabinet has agreed that 20 hours free will be available to kōhanga reo that use qualified kaiako.
Does the Minister believe that the whānau whakapakari 3-year programme in professional development enables kōhanga reo to access the 20 hours free early childhood education entitlement; if not, why not?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
As I said earlier, there is work going on between the ministry, the board, and other interested organisations. We certainly wish to recognise the use and validity of whakapakari, and work in relation to putting it within the qualifications framework.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I particularly asked whether they will recognise whakapakari, since they have approved it as a 3-year course for training for early childhood. I specifically asked whether they recognise it, and I did not get an answer.