Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ) is an Incorporated Society of members committed to high quality early childhood education for every child. Established in 1963, the organisation is an influential leader in shaping today’s early childhood sector through advocacy, policy, tertiary education qualifications and professional development programmes.  

We advocate for early childhood education services and the teachers|kaiako who provide education to thousands of infants, toddlers, and children|tamariki. Our members are drawn from a diverse range of community-based, privately-owned, kindergarten and homebased early childhood education services.  

Te Rito Maioha is also a registered Private Training Establishment (PTE) with the highest Category One rating for a tertiary provider. We are accredited and approved by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to deliver a range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate qualifications (levels 4-9), including specialist teacher|kaiako education, both nationally and internationally.  

We are committed to achieving high-quality teaching and learning by: 

•  increasing teachers’|kaiako knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Aotearoa New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage; 

• providing access to online blended delivery of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate tertiary education programmes leading to recognised and approved qualifications; 

• promoting quality teaching and leadership through ongoing professional learning and development programmes; 

• providing a range of unique resources and services to our members.  

Our services

Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand is a leading provider of early childhood and primary teacher education, new knowledge, best practice, professional development and advocacy.  

As a tertiary provider, our specialist online and field-based programmes grow skilled early childhood and primary teachers and leaders with undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate qualifications. Our research and new knowledge shapes teacher education, professional development and best practice for our students, our members and our sector.  

As an ECE membership organisation, we support our kaiako, leaders and service members with professional development, resources, fresh thinking and a collective voice advocating for quality early childhood education for all tamariki.