1. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
Does she agree with the Children’s Commissioner, who has stated that “providing culturally affirming education and care was considered important for supporting parents from minority cultures”; if so, what will she do to demonstrate she is listening to the views of parents?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Yes. The Government is always listening to the views of parents and we recognise the value of culturally appropriate early childhood services. That is why we have invested $91.8 million in community-driven initiatives based on community needs to ensure that any local barriers to participation in early childhood education can be addressed.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
How will she respond to the call from the report for “more community services to be available in te reo Māori.”?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
We recognise that it is important to ensure that early childhood education is responsive to the different communities in New Zealand. This year early childhood education TeachNZ scholarships have been targeted at people who have experience working with Māori or Pasifika communities who want to teach in the early childhood sector. The Government also introduced the 20 hours’ free attendance at kōhanga reo.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Does she agree with the Children’s Commissioner that parents need more choice in childcare, including greater flexibility in the hours they pay to put their babies into childcare; if so, what response will she make to the recommendation that there should be better funding support for parents who choose to stay at home to look after their infants?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
The Government is still considering its response to this report in conjunction with the findings of the independent task force on early childhood education, which is due to report back in the next few weeks.