The largest survey of the early childhood sector in Aotearoa in recent years, Kōriporipo, shines a light on the immense pressures facing ECE kaiako and kaimahi and makes recommendations that could transform the sector.
The first Kōriporipo report was conducted in 2023, and a follow up survey was conducted in 2024.
Kōriporipo 2024 generated an outstanding response from the sector, with more than 2,700 people taking the time to complete the survey. This cements Kōriporipo as the largest workforce survey in early childhood education and a key indicator for issues in New Zealand’s early childhood education system.
Alongside this year’s Kōriporipo survey, we ran a small parent survey. 204 parents completed the survey. Most were parents with children in kindergarten (54%), followed by private education and care (22%), then community-based education and care (20%). Responses from parents with children in Kōhanga Reo, Puna Reo, and Pacific Language Nests were under 1% each. Most parents had children in the three- to-five-years age group (63%), with 21% for two-year-olds, 10% for one-year-olds, and 5% under one.
In May 2023, NZEI Te Riu Roa distributed its inaugural survey of early childhood education (ECE) kaiako and kaimahi to the sector. A total of 4174 early childhood education kaiako and kaimahi completed the survey, making it easily the largest ECE workforce survey in Aotearoa in recent years. It was encouraging that the survey received such a strong response, but not surprising. The issues plaguing the ECE sector in recent years have been well publicised. Stories of teacher shortages, huge workloads, poor pay, and unworkable and unsafe ratios will all be familiar to anyone in the sector. The impressive response to this survey is testament to the dedication of ECE kaiako and kaimahi to improving outcomes for ākonga.
Take a look at our current campaigns and find out how you can get involved.
NZEI Te Riu Roa is committed to the protection and upholding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We believe in the power of unity and the importance of working together to ensure that the rights and interests of our members, and all Māori, are respected and advanced.
The pay equity claim for teachers is currently underway. It is about addressing the historic and current undervaluation in both pay and status in roles that society has perceived to be ‘women’s work’. The process determines if there has been undervaluation and if so, this is corrected. All teachers and principals working in schools, kindergartens and education and care settings are covered by the claim, regardless of gender.
Early childhood teachers so an incredibly important job. But their pay is up to 52% behind kindergarten and primary with the same skills, qualifications and responsibilities. We believe the government needs to act now to fix the gap.
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) plays a vital role in our education system, preparing future teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to begin teaching.
Studying to become an educator? In your first 5 years of teaching? Te Kupenga Rangatahi (New Educators Network) is a great way to make sure you get the best start to your teaching career.
The 2025 scholarship applications round opened in February 2024 and close on Friday 10th May 2024. To learn more about the application process, what to expect and how to write a good application, check out the article linked below.