A change to the Government's flagship budget policy on childcare is raising more questions than answers for the sector.

It's backtracking on conditions involving the 20 hours free Early Childhood Education, after providers complained about the pay-by-the hour system.

Montessori Aotearoa Chief Executive Cathy Wilson says the sector is pleased they're having their concerns responded to.

But she told Kate Hawkesby communication is an issue and they've only met with the associate minister, not Education Minister Jan Tinetti.

LISTEN ABOVE

A change to the Government's flagship budget policy on childcare is raising more questions than answers for the sector.
It's backtracking on conditions involving the 20 hours free Early Childhood Education, after providers complained about the pay-by-the hour system.
Montessori Aotearoa Chief Executive Cathy Wilson says the sector is pleased they're having their concerns responded to.
But she told Kate Hawkesby communication is an issue and they've only met with the associate minister, not Education Minister Jan Tinetti.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Cathy Wilson: Montessori Aotearoa CEO says communication around ECE sector changes is an issue

New Zealand's netball ecosystem is breathing a sigh of relief after confirmation of a privatised domestic league for next season and beyond. 

Rich-lister couple Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams are set to take the licence for the competition and its teams via an initial agreement with the sport's national body. 

Former Silver Fern Marg Foster told Ryan Bridge this is a really good thing, but they can't just rely on philanthropy.  

She says there's a lot of things they'll need to be able to get out of this deal, such as making it commercially attractive so investors can get a genuine return. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

New Zealand's netball ecosystem is breathing a sigh of relief after confirmation of a privatised domestic league for next season and beyond.&nbsp;
Rich-lister couple Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams are set to take the licence for the competition and its teams via an initial agreement with the sport's national body.&nbsp;
Former Silver Fern Marg Foster told Ryan Bridge this is a really good thing, but they can't just rely on philanthropy. &nbsp;
She says there's a lot of things they'll need to be able to get out of this deal, such as making it commercially attractive so investors can get a genuine return.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Marg Foster: Former Silver Fern on the confirmation of a privatised domestic netball competition

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/53c10673-c46b-4783-bb80-b4b80188d22b/transcript

Another OCR hike is widely expected today and the Reserve Bank could signal more are coming. 

It announces its decision at 2pm, with the Official Cash Rate expected to rise from 2.5%. 

Economists are picking one or two further hikes. 

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge the Reserve Bank's view has shifted sharply since the start of the year. 

He says they're pretty locked in for 3% between now and Christmas. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Another OCR hike is widely expected today and the Reserve Bank could signal more are coming.&nbsp;
It announces its decision at 2pm, with the Official Cash Rate expected to rise from 2.5%.&nbsp;
Economists are picking one or two further hikes.&nbsp;
Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge the Reserve Bank's view has shifted sharply since the start of the year.&nbsp;
He says they're pretty locked in for 3% between now and Christmas.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the expectation the Official Cash Rate will be hiked

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5f2fceb3-ba04-48e5-bbc9-b4b80188ba87/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 2nd of September 2026 another OCR hike is looking likely from the Reserve Bank, Westpac chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect.

New Zealand and America are teaming up to build a port for the Cook Islands; international relations professor Robert Patman shares his thoughts.

Netball New Zealand have made the decision to privatise the domestic league; former Silver Fern Marg Foster reacts to the news.

Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on laundry rooms being turned into prison cells to combat overcrowding in UK jails and an investigation underway after a man died near Notting Hill Carnival in London following a police pursuit. 

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          

LISTEN ABOVE  

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 2nd of September 2026 another OCR hike is looking likely from the Reserve Bank, Westpac chief Economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan what we can expect.
New Zealand and America are teaming up to build a port for the Cook Islands; international relations professor Robert Patman shares his thoughts.
Netball New Zealand have made the decision to privatise the domestic league; former Silver Fern Marg Foster reacts to the news.
Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on laundry rooms being turned into prison cells to combat overcrowding in UK jails and an investigation underway after a man died near Notting Hill Carnival in London following a police pursuit.&nbsp;
Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 02 September 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c02347d2-7e53-4d2f-800f-b4b801513e23/transcript

Cathy Wilson: Montessori Aotearoa CEO says communication around ECE sector changes is an issue

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