Reconfigured Family Boost Welcomed!

7 July 2025

The Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced changes to the Family Boost programme that will hopefully increase the number of families accessing rebates while also increasing the abatement rate and maximum payment rebate.

“We welcome the changes to the Family Boost scheme,” says Kathy Wolfe, CE Te Rito Maioha. “Access to quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) is vital for both children and parents so every bit helps.”

From the start of this month, some families will get larger FamilyBoost rebates on the early childhood education fees they pay, with rebates increasing from 25 per cent to 40 per cent of weekly fees, and those with household incomes of up to $229,000 now eligible to apply.

“We know one of the barriers to accessing quality ECE is cost, and these changes will support more families. However, the policy still has some fundamental flaws. Families that are struggling to afford ECE fees will still have to pay fees upfront before receiving the quarterly rebate.”

“These families will also still have to navigate the IRD system, and for many families that is still a real barrier to participation.”

“We are encouraged that the Minister has announced officials are working on a more direct method of providing this funding and we look forward to the whole sector being involved in this change approach to be successful in its delivery.

It is also good to hear the terms of Reference for the ECE Funding Review Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) has been updated to include Family Boost.” says Mrs Wolfe. “We have one opportunity to reset ECE investment and transform so every child has access to high quality early learning to set them up for success in school and beyond.”

Media Contact

Rob McCann - Lead Communications Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whakapā Matua
022 411 4560
rob.mccann@ecnz.ac.nz