My values are Labour values.

I want to help build a stronger, more caring society. I am passionate about Dunedin, and I bring considerable energy and wide experience to the task of representing this electorate.

My diverse work background has given me an understanding of the economic and social levers that can be pulled to achieve meaningful change.

Please read some of the discussions included here. I welcome your comments.

- David Clark

education, fairness

1 February, 2011

The biggest cuts for the smallest people

Today is the day the Government’s $400 million in cuts to quality early childhood education (ECE) come into effect.  Surveyed providers across Otago are losing on average $48,500 each.  They are being forced to raise fees or cut services.  20 hours free quality ECE is no more.

Those most likely to miss out are the kids who need it the most.

It’s a funding cut that will increase inequality in NZ.  Wealthy neighbourhoods will have 100% qualified staff because they can afford to pay more and others will have reduced quality or withdraw their children from these providers because they can’t afford it. Those children will be behind the others for the rest of their lives.

Sadly, the Government is refusing to rule out more cuts.  

Enough of this short-termism.  We need an ‘investment’ culture.

3 COMMENTS

3 comments on ‘The biggest cuts for the smallest people’

  1. 5 February, 2011
    Jo

    They have done this at a time when people can least afford to have price increases.

  2. 21 June, 2011
    Sharlene Goodwin

    So then David, what do you think of the ‘new’ budget?

  3. 21 June, 2011
    david

    Hi Sharlene. What do I think about the ‘new’ budget? A small portion of the cuts have been ‘returned’ to the sector. But a recently released report I’ve reviewed here: http://blog.davidclark.org.nz/2011/06/ece-taskforce-report/ makes it clear that the sector will be expected to spread money even more thinly.

    The sector warrants far greater investment for both social and economic reasons. Unfortunately, the current Government appears wedded to a privatisation ideology that will not see it properly funded.

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