The Government plans to deliver on their commitment to increase funding for kindergartens.
The pledge comes after a newsletter was sent to parents at 13 Auckland early childhood centres, telling parents they will be expected to double their hourly donations to $2 due to funding shortfalls.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins said that the funding freeze since 2010 and inadequate rises before then is simply unacceptable - and he will fix this.
"We'll deliver on our commitment to restore the top funding rate for early childhood services that employ 100 per cent qualified teachers. That will make a huge difference. And then going forwards we will be looking to catch up funding, to make sure that funding is keeping place with inflation."
Hipkins said up until two or three years ago, kindergartens prided themselves on being absolutely free.
"I think that as we catch that funding up, I think you will see kindergartens not needing to rely on donations the way they are now."
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