20 Hours ECE NZ: How the Childcare Subsidy Works for Parents in Auckland
How the 20 Hours ECE NZ and the WINZ Childcare Subsidy can help your family get the full support available | Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centres in Howick, Mount Roskill, and Panmure
Providing Quality Childcare Since 2012 • Infants, Toddlers & Preschool • Daycare Centre
In New Zealand, supporting families through accessible and affordable early childhood education (ECE) is a key priority. One of the primary financial supports offered by the government is the “20 Hours ECE NZ” initiative. This funding helps reduce the cost of early education for children aged three to five.
In this article, we will explain what the scheme entails, who is eligible, and how to access additional subsidies such as the WINZ childcare subsidy Auckland parents may qualify for.
What is 20 hours ECE NZ?
The 20 Hours ECE NZ scheme refers to a government initiative that fully funds early childhood education for up to 20 hours a week for eligible children aged three and four years old. This funding covers a maximum of six hours per day and up to twenty hours weekly at an approved early learning service. The initiative aims to mirror the way primary and secondary education is publicly funded, making early learning more accessible and affordable for families.
Through this programme, the Ministry of Education pays for early learning services directly, providing free education for children during the designated hours. It enables young children to access a regulated, high-quality early learning environment without direct cost to their families, as outlined on the official government website for parents.
Why is this program up to 20 hours a week?
The 20 hours a week provision encourages regular and intensive participation in quality ECE, which has been proven to affect children’s education positively. Children do not gain the full benefits of quality ECE if their attendance is not intensive enough. Although New Zealand has high participation rates in ECE, children generally attend fewer hours per week—around 14 to 17 hours per week for three- and four-year-olds.
The Government funds 20 Hours Free ECE because it believes giving young children the best start in life is vital and that quality ECE lays the lifelong foundation for successful learning.
How can I get access to free childcare NZ 3 year old?
Three and four-year-olds attending teacher-led services offering 20 Hours Free ECE are eligible for up to six hours per day, up to 20 hours per week, of free early childhood education. The scheme starts when a child turns three and finishes when they turn five. However, five-year-olds receiving special education support as part of their “transition to school plan” can continue to receive up to 20 hours per week during this period. The transition to school plan outlines how a child with special education needs will successfully move from their ECE service to school.
Is 20 Hours ECE NZ depending on income?
No, 20 Hours Free ECE is available to any three or four-year-old enrolled in a teacher-led early childhood service offering the programme, regardless of their parents’ income, ethnicity, work status, or any other factor.
Any child who meets the age and enrolment criteria is eligible, regardless of their parents’ income, employment status, ethnicity, or background.
This universal approach ensures that all families—regardless of financial situation—can benefit from free early childhood education. The focus is solely on providing equitable access to quality education for all children.
Eligible services include a wide range of settings:
- Education and care centres
- Kindergartens;
- Kōhanga Reo;
- Playcentres;
- Playgroups;
- Pacific Island early childhood groups;
- Home-based care (including nannies or family members);
- Montessori and Steiner centres;
- Te Kura (the Correspondence School).
How does 20 hours ECE work?
To receive Ministry of Education funding for up to 20 hours of your child’s ECE, you need to:
- Find an early learning service that offers 20 hours of funded ECE;
- Enrol your child on that service;
- State on the enrolment form the days and hours you will claim for your child, no more than six hours a day and 20 hours per week.
It’s important to note that while these hours are fully funded, any additional hours outside the 20-hour limit may incur charges. Parents should also enquire about other potential costs, such as optional charges for specific activities or services.
Since each early learning centre may have different pricing structures, parents should confirm all associated costs before enrolling their child. This ensures there are no surprises and helps families budget accordingly.
If you’re ready to get started, follow this link to our enrolment form, where you can provide details about ECE days and hours.
How to choose an early learning service
Selecting the right early learning centre involves more than just availability. As trusted advisors like Plunket recommend, there are key considerations for choosing the best fit:
Location and accessibility
Start by identifying services within your area that meet your needs, such as our centres in Howick, Mount Roskill, or Panmure.
Types of service
Understand the differences between teacher-led, whānau-led, and parent-led services. This will help align your expectations with the centre’s operating model.
Operating hours
Some centres run all day, others mirror school hours (9 am to 3 pm), and some may only offer half-day sessions. Availability during school holidays also varies.
Child's age range
Some centres take children from birth to school age, while others only accept older toddlers. Check the age policy of each centre.
Cost and fees
Consider any fees beyond the 20 funded hours. Centres may charge for additional hours, extra activities, or request optional donations.
Adult-to-child ratio
Check the ratio of educators present relative to the number of children. Teacher-led centres require a minimum number of qualified staff.
Teachers and staff
Early learning services must have a responsible adult and maintain an appropriate adult-to-child ratio. Teacher-led centres require a set number of qualified teachers relative to the children enrolled; some centres exceed this minimum, which can influence your choice.
Playcentres and playgroups are parent-led and may employ qualified teachers, but are not required to do so.
Visit a service
Visiting centres, kōhanga reo, or home-based providers with or without your child is a great way to choose the right service. Contact them to arrange visits.
Book a tour at one of our centres in Howick, Mount Roskill, or Panmure and see how we can support your whānau.
Waiting lists
Some services may have waiting lists due to capacity. If so, ask about wait times, as this could affect your choice. There may be fees to join waiting lists.
Questions to ask a learning centre before enrolling your child
Before committing to a service, it’s crucial to ask practical and policy-related questions. Key enquiries include:
Staff and size
- What are the qualifications and experience of the staff?
- How often do staff change? Who covers absences?
- What is the adult-to-child ratio? Does each child have a primary adult responsible?
- What are the number and age ranges of children at the service?
Health and safety
- Is the centre licensed?
- Is the environment clean and well-maintained?
- Who is authorised to collect children?
- How are special requirements (allergies, disabilities, speech difficulties, shyness) managed?
- How are illness and accidents handled?
- If my child is sick, how long must they stay home?
- When and how will staff contact me?
Activities and routines
- What activities are offered?
- Are there separate spaces for different types of play (quiet, active, creative, wet, messy)?
- What routines exist for sleep, meals, and nappy changes?
- Do I need to provide food?
- Are there plenty of interesting and challenging activities?
- What learning and play resources are available?
Observe and listen
- Do the staff make you feel welcome?
- Are adults and children kind and respectful?
- Are adults actively involved with children?
- Do children seem happy and engaged in activities?
- Can children move freely between activities?
Seek your child’s opinion and trust your instincts. If your first visit does not provide enough information, arrange a second visit
What is the WINZ Childcare Subsidy?
In addition to 20 Hours ECE NZ, families may be eligible for a Childcare Subsidy. This payment, provided by Work and Income (WINZ), helps with the cost of childcare outside the 20-hour government-funded period.
The subsidy covers up to 9 hours per week for non-working parents and up to 50 hours per week for parents who are employed, studying, or undergoing training. However, families cannot receive this subsidy for the same hours already funded under the 20 Hours ECE scheme.
The Childcare Subsidy eligibility
Eligibility for the Work and Income childcare subsidy depends on family household income. You can check the current income thresholds and eligibility criteria on the Work and Income website.
You may be eligible if:
- You are the principal caregiver of a dependent child;
- You are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident;
- Your family has a low or middle income;
- You usually live in New Zealand and intend to stay.
Eligibility also depends on your and your partner’s earnings.
The child must:
- Be under five years old, or
- Be over five but attending a cohort entry school where new entrants start on a set date after their fifth birthday, or
- Be under six if receiving a Child Disability Allowance
- Attend an approved early childhood education programme or service for at least three hours per week
What programmes are approved for the childcare subsidy in NZ?
Approved programmes include licensed early childhood education and care services such as:
- Kindergartens and preschools;
- Childcare centres and creches;
- Playcentres and playgroups;
- Playgroups approved by the Ministry of Education;
- Kōhanga Reo, Pūnanga Reo, Aoga, and other language and culture-focused programmes;
- Approved home-based care.
You may be eligible for up to 50 hours per week if you are:
- Working, studying, or enrolled in an approved training course.
- Participating in an activity required by Work and Income.
- A shift worker working nights.
- Seriously ill or disabled.
- Caring for a child in hospital or receiving a Disability Allowance for a child.
Usually, the subsidy is not payable for more than nine hours weekly if the child’s other parent or caregiver is available to care for them.
Your Next Steps: Finding the Right Childcare
Our Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centres in Howick, Mount Roskill and Panmure are licensed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), including 20 Hours ECE for eligible children aged 3 and over.
Book a tour at one of our centres in Howick, Mount Roskill, or Panmure and see how we can support your whānau.
A Note on Accuracy: This guide was prepared using the most accurate information available at the time of publication (July 2025). As government policies, funding rates, and eligibility criteria for subsidies can change over time, we strongly encourage parents to verify the latest details directly with official sources such as the Ministry of Education (govt.nz) and Work and Income. This guide is intended to help you get started, but official sources will always provide the most current information.
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Our Early Learning Centres
Our early childhood centre environments strongly reflects our inspiration – The Reggio Emilia philosophy, from Reggio Emilia, Italy.
We provide a creative and open ended environment that encourages infinite learning for the children and strong relationships between teachers, children and families.
The day’s routines are flexible. At the same time, care is taken to recognise and respect each child’s needs.
Why Choose a Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre?
- Encouraging the use of natural materials
- A strong transition into school
- Teaching team inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach supports your child’s creative potential.
- Healthy, tasty hot meals cooked fresh on site
- 20 ECE hours available/free sessions for 3 year olds
- A boutique, homely feel to our centres
- Strong connections between teachers and whanau.
Here's what our parents say about our childcare centres
Come and visit one of our childcare centres and see for yourself why your child will love it
Talk to the Centre Manager, meet the team, see the natural outdoor play areas and educational rooms, learn about how we develop our programs and find out more about our unique approach to partnering with our families.
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