2. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What reports has he received regarding the implementation of the 20 hours of free early childhood education policy?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Education) Link to this
At the risk of repeating myself, I say that this week I met with the representatives of the early childhood education sector, and they expressed their support for the Government’s policy of 20 hours of free early childhood education. They see a great deal of benefit for New Zealand families. Even at this early stage some organisations, like Barnardos, have already announced that they will offer 20 hours of free early childhood education in all of their centres. Other organisations have also stated that many of their members are keen and ready to offer the policy of 20 hours of free education. They are currently working through the details of that policy with the Ministry of Education. The ministry is travelling throughout the country, talking with the sector and supporting it as it moves towards 1 July.
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
Today I visited the National Party website and saw reports of the National Party saying that the policy of 20 hours of free early childhood education “will not go ahead”. It is strange, therefore, to see that the National Party currently appears to be endorsing the policy. Its spokesperson, Paula Bennett, has stated that she is alarmed that some families will miss out on the scheme. The only way they would miss out on the scheme is if there were a National Government, as National is committed to abolishing it.
Paula BennettWhen the Minister referred to 20 free hours as being “simple”, and said that all that parents have to do is turn up to their local centre and say their child is there for the free 20 hours, was he referring to the fact that the word “free” in the slogan “20 free hours” does not actually mean free, or that service providers cannot charge fees but can charge something called optional charges for some things but not others, or that a parent working an 8-hour day will get only 6 free hours, or that no one has any idea of how many places will be available or how the system will be administered; what is simple about this policy?
Madam SPEAKER
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Well, perhaps, Madam Speaker. With the greatest respect, where on earth was that question going, and where was it coming from, seeing as she has given it about eight shots and we are still none the wiser?
I thank the member. That was not the point of order I was expecting. Members are reminded that they are to ask questions, not give speeches, and that questions must be answered succinctly.
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
I was referring to the very simple fact that the way to get into this policy is to have one’s child enrolled at a teacher-led centre, and to attest that the child is enrolled there for the purposes of the policy.