Hon Steve Maharey
Minister of Education

18 May 2007 Media Statement

Growing support for ECE stumps Bennett

The National Party spokesperson for ECE, Paula Bennett's comments on early childhood education are growing increasingly hysterical and silly, says Education Minister Steve Maharey.

"In Budget 2007, the Labour-led government has annually adjusted the ECE rates. For example, the rate of $7.97 per hour will increase to $8.45 per hour, an increase of 6% bringing the total funding from government to $169 for 20 Hours Free ECE.

"The lift in funding will come as a real blow to Ms Bennett, who has campaigned relentlessly to undermine the 20 Hours Free ECE policy.

"Her misinformation has led to a good deal of confusion among providers, but despite this centres have ordered 259,000 forms to sign parents up to the policy and more than 107,000 parent information booklets.

"There is a large number of centres preparing to offer 20 Hours Free ECE when it rolls out from 1 July, and many others have indicated they will take up the funding in the year ahead.

"It's now time for Miss Bennett and the National Party to start thinking about performing another one of their infamous flip flops, and decide to agree with the 20 Hours Free ECE policy.

"Or else they should tell the truth and say that they will scrap this very popular policy, as is stated on their website."

ENDS

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