Meet the inspiring individuals and centres recognised at the 2024 ECC Awards. From innovation to outstanding teaching and sector leadership, these winners are raising the bar in early childhood education across Aotearoa.
ECC Awards 2024 – Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Education
On 10 August 2024, at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, the Early Childhood Council hosted its first-ever ECC Awards, recognising the outstanding individuals and centres shaping the future of early childhood education in Aotearoa.
With more than 50 nominations across five categories, the evening was a powerful reflection of the passion, innovation, and commitment that drives our sector. We were honoured to celebrate those going above and beyond for tamariki, whānau, and our local communities.
🏆 2024 ECC Award Winners and Nominees
Outstanding Achievement Award: Cindy Paul
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and impact in their field. Cindy Paul stood out as a true leader—committed, self-aware, and deeply values-driven. Her ability to foster strong, respectful relationships and empower her team has led to remarkable success at her centre.
Contribution to the Sector Award: Sue Kurtovich
This award recognises an individual making a significant impact through leadership, volunteerism, or service. A longstanding champion of the ECE sector, Sue has been a vital part of ECC since the early 1990s. Her ongoing work, both as a former CEO and current Patron, reflects a lifetime of dedication to uplifting others and improving early education.
Dr. Darius Singh Innovation Award: Tūī Early Learners, Manawatū
Sponsored by outgoing ECC Executive Committee Chair Dr. Darius Singh, this award celebrates forward-thinking centres. Tui Early Learners were recognised for pioneering a Specialist Intervention Teacher role across their family-owned centres in the Manawatū, enhancing inclusion and support for diverse learners. This innovative model has become a beacon of best practice in just eight months.
Exceptional Private Centre: Haven Early Learning Centre, Christchurch
This award honours a privately-owned centre setting a benchmark for quality and community connection. Haven ELC were celebrated for their commitment to the deaf and hearing-impaired community, with New Zealand Sign Language deeply embedded into their curriculum. With the only deaf kaiako working in mainstream ECE, and staff learning sign at night school, their inclusive approach is truly inspiring.
Exceptional Community-based Centre: Kimihia Early Learning Centre, Christchurch
This award recognises a community-based centre going above and beyond. With a record number of nominations, Kimihia ELC stood out for their deep connection to whānau, inclusive curriculum, and support of teen parents. Their focus on cultural celebration and collaborative teaching makes them a pillar of their community.
2024 Award Nominees
We would also like to recognise and congratulate our nominees for the 2024 ECC Awards:
Outstanding Achievement:
Amanda Bolesworth
Anastasia O’Shea
Claire Hesketh
Diana Harrison
Helen Lowe
Ivy Kathrina Garcia
Shivanjani Prakash
Contribution to the Sector:
Hayley Flanagan
Heidi Szentes
Ivy Kathrina Garcia
Jenny Tippet
Viv Shearsby
Dr. Darius Singh Innovation Award:
Ōpunakē Communities Kindergarten
Seedlings Early Learning Centre - Longhurst
The Children's Garden, Stoke
Exceptional Private Centre:
Active Explorers Nelson Street
Bambinos Early Childhood Centre St Lukes
Immanual Preschool Favona
Kakapo Creek Children's Garden
Little Guys Learning
Newshoots Children Centres
Pennylane Early Learning Centre
Seedlings Early Learning Centre - Longhurst
Smiley Faces Educare Ltd
The Learning Space Eden Terrace
Tūī Early Learners
Weka Pre-School
Exceptional Community-based Centre:
Ako Langimalie Preschool
Aoga Amata Porirua EFKS ('AAPE')
E Tipu e Rea Early Learning Centre
Immanuel Preschool Otara
Learning at the Point Community Kindergarten
Little Sunbeams Christian Early Childhood Centre
Moa Kids Early Learning Centre
Swinburn and Tom Parker House
Thank you for everyone who nominated an individual or centre for the awards, as well as those who attended the Gala Dinner and celebrated with us. We look forward to continuing tos tradition of honouring excellence in early childhood education. The 2025 ECC Awards will be help on Saturday 16 August at Te Puia in Rotorua.
