E Tū Kaha – Standing Strong for Quality Early Childhood Education

E Tū Kaha is our campaign to protect and strengthen high-quality early childhood education (ECE) in Aotearoa.

We believe tamariki deserve the very best start in life — and that means qualified teachers, safe learning environments, and fair conditions for kaiako.

Our campaign was created to keep kaiako and whānau informed about government policies, while also providing opportunities for community voices to be heard. Together, we can make sure decisions put children before profit and protect the future of early learning in New Zealand.

Read more about proposed changes to ECE regulations and legislation here

What We’re Calling For

We are urging the government to stop changes that:

• Risk the safety and wellbeing of our children

• Undermine qualified teacher requirements

• Put profit ahead of quality education for tamariki

Instead, we are advocating for:

• Free access to early learning for tamariki

• Support services that enable parents and whānau to engage in their child’s education

• 100% qualified teachers in regulated staffing positions

• Good teacher-to-child ratios that ensure quality care

• Environments that support small group sizes

• Professional pay and conditions for teachers through collective agreements

• Ongoing professional development and support for staff

• Keeping kindergartens in the public sector as an anchor for quality across ECE

• Pay parity for all teachers

• Living Wage for all kaimahi

Why This Matters

Every child deserves to learn, play, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Strong early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and success. By supporting kaiako with fair pay, training, and safe working conditions, we’re investing in our tamariki and in the future of Aotearoa.

Join Us

Your voice matters. Together, whānau, kaiako, and communities can stand strong for early childhood education.

Whether it's joining a rally, signing a petition or writing to your local MP, you can help us call for quality, equity and fairness in ECE.

Contact us if you would like to know more about advocating for high quality ECE in your community!