Paula Bennett MP
National Party Associate Education Spokeswoman (Early Childhood)

4 October 2007

Crèches keep closing while Govt review drags on

A review that Labour claims could amend regulations that are seeing crèches in gyms and swimming pools closing down has been dragging on for four years, says Nationals' Associate Education spokeswoman, Paula Bennett.

This was revealed in answers to parliamentary questions.

A Ministry of Education crackdown on child-minding facilities in gyms has seen at least 10 facilities close this year, and more are likely to follow after they were sent letters explaining they must become licensed or shut down.

"Steve Maharey, who has the power to exempt these centres, is refusing to do so.

"His officials have said they may consider exemptions next year, but only if the crèche operates for fewer than four hours a week. This is just another example of Labour trying to run people's lives. Now, mums have to exercise according to Labour's timetable, with no regard as to what is convenient for parents or the gyms.

"It is ludicrous to compare these child-minding services with licensed kindys and ECE centres, but he is hell-bent on making their lives so difficult they have no choice but to close their doors.

"These gym and pool facilities care for a handful of children for an hour while their mums exercise close by, and it is bureaucratic nonsense to make them go through the rigours of licensing.

"Steve Maharey's only excuse was that a review was under way that may change the situation. What he didn't say is that the review has now been going on since 2003 and won't be completed until at least 2008.

"And while Labour's wheels of bureaucracy grind on, mums are ditching their exercise routines, staff are losing jobs, and crèches in gyms and pools lie empty.

"The Minister should either fast-track his review or do the decent thing and start exempting these crèches immediately."

ENDS

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