New Zealand First is highlighting what it says is underfunding of education after a decision to review and revamp kindergartens in Auckland.
Funding issues are behind the Auckland Kindergarten Association's decision to review the way its 107 centres operate.
Kindergartens are struggling to fill places as their hours don't suit working parents, and parents are choosing to use other early childhood centres instead.
Also, kindergartens employ registered teachers who hold a diploma in teaching or a similar qualification. Other centres, such as play centres and kohunga reo, may count parents among adult supervisors.
NZ First MP Tracey Martin blames the Government.
"We need to have a conversation about what is actually the best level of early childhood education for our children, rather than being driven from an economic perspective because this Government doesn't support families."
Ms Martin says more needs to be done to support parents so that children don't have to spend extra time at kindergarten.
Newshub.
