Dunedin Kindergartens have voted to remain a member of New Zealand Kindergartens in a move described as "devastating" and a "David versus Goliath battle" by one parent.
Dunedin's 24 kindergartens are governed in part by parent-led committees who voted last night at an extraordinary meeting. It's understood 60% of members voted to break away from New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK), however a 66% vote was needed to leave.
Parents and teachers in Dunedin are fearful that a continued partnership with NZK could lead to them losing control over the way in which their kindergartens are run.
The parents
One frustrated parent Michelle De Bono told Breakfast that 12 of the 20 Dunedin Kindergarten committees voted to leave the NZK, just as Auckland Kindergarten Association successfully did.
"In addition there were letters [and] messages of support to leave from two kindies which do not currently have a [committee] voice," she said.
"So, the majority of our community do want to disassociate, but voting on the night was just shy of the 66% required by the disaffiliation clause in our constitution," Bono said.
She said the level of understanding among parents about what NZK is "patchy".
Another parent angered by last night's decision, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerned that Dunedin Kindergartens had not released the official vote count.
"Our teachers are absolutely devastated … the community want nothing to do with NZK and our teachers even more so," she said.
"How do they expect to run an organisation when the employees and members don't trust them?"
NZK responds
NZK chief executive Jill Bond told Breakfast changes to the sector are needed in order to meet new requirements under the Incorporated Societies Act, which was updated on October 5, 2022.
"Our kindergarten associations are multimillion-dollar businesses, and there are certain infrastructure that you need to make sure you're doing the right thing, that you are financially and environmentally sustainable," she said.
However, Bond said the role of NZK would not be to take over.
"We have no direct control of authority over local kindergarten associations.
"The role of NZK is to advise, give guidance, advocacy, and support."
Months of dissent
Dunedin Kindergartens committee member Neresa Hall said an AGM was held at the end of April, which she described as a "heated exchange".
"Many parents attended and were very concerned about the changes and processes Dunedin Kindergartens were undertaking.
"Lots of anger and frustration was thrown toward Dunedin Kindergartens and New Zealand Kindergartens," she said.
Hall said the Dunedin Kindergartens organisation had been left fractured.
Parents and teachers claim a PWC report written about the state of Dunedin Kindergartens was withheld from them, which is thought to have further fuelled division over the relationship between the two organisations.
That PWC report commissioned by Dunedin Kindergartens and obtained by Breakfast highlighted a number of internal issues within the organisation.
It concluded that Dunedin Kindergartens would "struggle to remain a financially sustainable organisation" if fundamental changes were not introduced, and that it needed to "change across all levels" for a successful future.
NZEI response
NZEI Te Riu Roa, the largest education sector union in Aotearoa, confirmed in a letter to sent to the Dunedin Kindergartens Board, members and Bond that teachers didn't want to remain associated with NZK.
"This open letter comes with disappointment and dismay from us as NZEl Te Riu Roa members employed by Dunedin Kindergartens. We are feeling broken, our community is broken!
"We fear for what comes next — there has been no thought or explanations given to us to seek an understanding of what these changes mean.
"As Kaimahi, we have been through the most stressful time ever in our employment, (some of us loyal staff for over a 30-year period)."
Dunedin Kindergartens responds
Dunedin Kindergartens issued a statement shortly after the vote was passed at 10pm last night.
"Our community has determined that Dunedin Kindergartens will remain affiliated with NZK," it said.
"It is clear that the amazing early childhood education provided by our talented kaiako is highly valued in Ōtepoti.
"Now, we will be finding ways to work with all stakeholders in our community to forge the best path forward for the future of Dunedin Kindergartens."
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