Kia ora,

there are three key changes ECE services need to be aware of. This list gives you a broad overview of what is happening for each change, what it means for your service, and how to check it you are ready.

If you have any questions or need more information - please email me at admin@whakatere.com.

1. Moving from "Informed" to "Involved" (C112)

The Change: Under the new C112, the Ministry is looking for more than just a newsletter. They want evidence that parents are "involved in decision-making concerning their child’s learning."

• What is means: In most services, we talk to our ainga/ whānau every day. Any "decision-making" can happens at the gate, over a meal, or inside a teaching practitioners own head. This is no longer enough.
• The Check: Does your current documentation capture how those conversations actually changed what teachers do? If it only records that a kōrero happened, or what your ECE service decided, you might have a gap.

2. Sharing "Specific Evidence" of Learning

The Change: The 2026 update to C112 adds a new expectation: that parents/ainga have a way to "share specific evidence of the child's learning" back with the ECE service.

• The Reality: We know our children are learning at home—speaking the language, helping with younger siblings, or participating in family traditions.
• The Check: Do you have a simple, stress-free way for parents to share those "home wins" so they become part of the child's official learning record? The Ministry now wants to see that "two-way street."

3. The "Director of Regulation" (Feb 23rd)

The Fact: As of February 23rd, a new Director of Regulation is in place with "graduated enforcement tools." This means they can issue smaller, formal "notices" for paperwork gaps rather than just high-stakes license threats.

• The Reality: This is meant to be more collaborative, but it means there is a higher spotlight on the 100-series paperwork.
• The Check: Is your team prepared for a more "active" regulator who might ask to see the proof of your aiga engagement during a surprise visit?