External Links

This webpage provides a series of external links and resources to support early childhood education (ECE) centre owners, managers and teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Please contact admin@ecc.org.nz if a link is no longer working or if you have a suggestion for us to add to the list. For more information on ECC's member resources, please click here.

Government Organisations

Find official guidance, regulations, and helpful resources from government ministries and agencies to support your centre’s licensing, curriculum, funding, and workplace requirements.

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Ministry of Education (MoE)
The Ministry of Education is the Government's lead advisor on the New Zealand education system, shaping direction for sector agencies and providers. Direct Links: Licensing criteria | ECE funding handbook | Laws and regulations for early learning services | Bulletins

Education Review Office (ERO)
ERO reviews schools and early childhood education services, and publishes national reports on current education practice.

Education Counts
This is the Ministry of Education's data and reporting website. It includes, amongst other things, a list of every licensed ECE service as well as data about attendance numbers by service, etc.

Teaching Council
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is the professional and regulatory body for teachers in New Zealand.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
NZQA works closely with other education sector agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development on various initiatives.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Information on employment law, immigration and other business regulations and resources.

Beehive
The official website of the New Zealand Government.

Inland Revenue
The New Zealand Inland Revenue website provides information and services related to taxes.

Links for Teachers

These links provide resources that support teaching practice, compliance and professional growth. You'll find content relevant for new and existing teachers, to help you deliver high-quality education and care.

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Education Gazette
Explore news articles, case studies, vacancies and development opportunities for education professionals.

Education Workforce
Information about becoming a teacher in New Zealand, opportunities for existing teachers and those returning to teaching.

Evidence and Insights
Research and resources from the Education Review Office (ERO), including tools and guidance.

He Kupu
An early childhood education e-journal, providing students, teacher educators and related professionals the opportunity to share research and practical knowledge across a wide variety of early childhood education-related disciplines. Published by the New Zealand Tertiary College.

New Zealand Council for Educational Research
Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent research and development organisation, carrying out education research, and providing independent information, advice, and assistance.

Tahūrangi
The Ministry of Education's online curriculum resource hub, including Te Whāriki online.

Health and Wellbeing

ECC understand the importance of health and wellbeing in the ECE sector. Quality education and care requires significant mental and physical output, and sometimes this can negatively impact on the health and wellbeing of staff. Further to this, we work with diverse tamariki and whānau that may need extra support from time to time. The following list of useful health and wellbeing resources supports staff, tamariki and whānau.

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Brainwave Trust
Experts in child and adolescent development, with a particular focus on brain development, sharing science-backed knowledge and education.

Child Matters
A charitable trust dedicated to child protection, including the provision of professional training, advice regarding policy and procedures, and recommended resources.

Gold Star Programme
A programme designed for educators, with resources, useful tools and an online network to help you build resilience and feel supported at both work and home.

HealthEd
A directory of helplines and local mental health service contact details.

Healthify He Puna Waiora
Your go-to website for trusted and easy to understand health information and self-help resources.

Manaaki Tangata Victim Support
Free, nationwide support for people affected by crime and traumatic events, including their whānau and witnesses.

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
A charity improving the lives of individuals, whānau, organisation and communities through the provision of free resources and support.

Listening to Families
Videos and podcasts that provide answers to everyday questions about health and wellbeing challenges facing children and adolescents in NZ.

Safeguarding Children
Providers of expert child protection training, advocacy and support services, with an emphasis on the crucial role of community engagement.

Links for Parents

Find more information about enrolling your child in an early childhood education service and supporting your child’s needs. For personalised guidance and specific questions, we recommend you contact your local early childhood centre directly. You can view a list of all licensed early childhood services in your area through the ECE Directory.

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Help paying for early childhood education
Information about the fee subsidies and rebates available including 20 Hours ECE scheme, childcare subsidies, FamilyBoost support, and fee guidance.

Ministry of Education - Parents & Caregivers
Official guidance on early childhood and school education, covering milestones, development tips, funding info, and curriculum insights.

Raising Children
Expert-backed insights into child development, behaviour, safety, sleep, and learning from newborns to preschoolers.

Whānau Awhina Plunket
Free helpline (PlunketLine 0800 933 922), community workshops, and guidance through early childhood stages.

About these links

We have listed external links that offer official and/or free resources for the early childhood sector. The Early Childhood Council does not receive payment or compensation from any sites featured here. If you need products or services for your early childhood centre, our Preferred Suppliers are a good starting point. Further support, including policy templates and resources, is available to ECC members - more information below.

ECC Member Resources

Education & Care services can gain access to ECC's array of valuable resources, specifically designed for the ECE sector. These resources include detailed policies, advisories, and easy-to-use templates and guidelines to save you time and keep you compliant. Our members also benefit from timely updates on sector developments, policy changes and other important information crucial to running a centre.

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Become a member

Membership with the Early Childhood Council unlocks a range of benefits for your service and its staff. Join more than 1,300 member centres in New Zealand and become a member today.

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