4 February 2004 Media Statement

More children in early childhood education

Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced extra funding to create new kindergartens and more places for young children in early childhood education centres around the country.

"I am putting an extra $2.8 million into this area in line with our government's goal of increasing the number of children taking part in early childhood education. Our government is intent on creating opportunity for all New Zealanders, regardless of their background. It's essential our very youngest New Zealanders get the right start to life, and learning.

"This funding will create an extra 179 new places for children in licensed and chartered early childhood education centres over the next year. The funding will also ensure the retention of 85 places in existing centres which would otherwise be forced to close.

"Also, two new kindergartens in areas of high population growth will be funded using capital grants - one in Richmond, Nelson, and the other at Silverdale, in Auckland, both providing 90 places a day each.

"We know that quality early childhood education makes a significant difference to the way children develop and achieve later in their lives. Research also shows that access to quality early childhood education has the greatest benefits for children who are the least likely to participate, including those from low socio-economic, rural, Maori or Pasifika communities.

"The Discretionary Grants Scheme, which is used to fund most of these extra places, is particularly targeted to these groups."

Today's announcement follows grants made to 72 groups in December. Each year, the Discretionary Grants Scheme provides annual capital assistance of $8.8 million to community based early childhood centres.

Trevor Mallard announced the extra money for early childhood education during a visit to Ngaio Kohanga Reo in Wellington. The kohanga received $112,590 in this funding allocation to extend and renovate their current building, creating 11 extra places for their tamariki.

A list of the early childhood education centres and kohanga reo is attached.

Electorate Name of Centre Project Child places Funding
Manukau East Sathya Sai Extension 12 $173,250.00
Northland Titoki Playcentre New Bldg 5 $213,000.00
Piako Waitoa Playcentre Relocation Retention 25 $86,980.00
Hamilton West YMCA Preschool Extension 8 $42,000.00
Wellington Central Mt Cook Preschool Extension 3 $57,070.00
Hutt South Dyer Street Childcare Centre Extension 10 $267,030.00
Wairarapa Masterton Christian Childcare Centre Planning Grant Retention 30 $15,000.00
Clutha Southland Goldfields Educare New Bldg Retention 30 $221,340.00
Tainui Manuwera TKR Manuwera New Building 12 $268,400.00
Te Tai Tokerau Raumanga TKR Whangarei Extension 11 $250,900.00
Te Tai Tokerau Matauri TKR Northalnd Extension 2 $174,300.00
Waiariki Tarimano TKR Rotorua New Building 15 $191,850.00
Te Tai Tonga Ngaio TKR Ohariu-Belmont Extension 11 $118,220.00
Rodney Silverdale Kindergarten New kindergarten 45 (90 per day) $503,040.00
Nelson New Richmond Kindergarten New kindergarten 45 (90 per day) $283,460.00

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