Daycare dollars: who's winning and losing?

Daycare chains are booming despite rising costs, teacher shortages and funding issues. (Image: NZME)
Cécile Meier
Zack Newman
In the first of a two-part investigation into Early Childhood Education (ECE), BusinessDesk examines the sector’s winners and losers. The second part will examine potential solutions to level the playing field.A record number of ECE services closed last year.Rising costs, staffing shortages and inadequate government funding are plaguing the sector. Public health experts warn overcrowded centres will cause long-term harm to children’s health. Parent fees keep increasing.  The ECE sector is in crisis, but not all operat...

More Investigations

Receivers probe potential sale of failed dealer's cars
Law & Regulation

Receivers probe potential sale of failed dealer's cars

Vehicles were moved off the car yards before they went into liquidation.

Gregor Thompson 16 Oct 2025
Rare Returns: the state of NZ’s red meat sector
Primary Sector Rare Returns

Rare Returns: the state of NZ’s red meat sector

NZ’s red meat price rebounds, but cracks in the system are hard to ignore.

Riley Kennedy 13 Oct 2025
Jewellers decry lack of transparency in claims market
Investigations Risky Business

Jewellers decry lack of transparency in claims market

An independent insurance assessor is engaged in replacing jewellery.

Gregor Thompson 07 Oct 2025
Nash cuts ties with migrant investor pitch
Policy

Nash cuts ties with migrant investor pitch

‘I have dissociated myself from this completely.’ 

Pattrick Smellie 19 Sep 2025