ECC Awards 2024: Winners and Nominees

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.