NZ Childcare Finance

03/02/2026

Always a great read! Lots of information about what's going on in the industry and what's to come... Go Check it out 😍

Our first Swings & Roundabouts issue for 2026 is out now 📩

Inside you'll find an update from our CEO Simon about the many changes set to go ahead this year, as well as the important dates like Budget 2026 and the General Election.

We also have a valuable article about noticing children who may need extra support in ECE, without labels or guesswork. Nadjela Salimi provides simple, actionable strategies kaiako and whānau can use to support tamariki.

Read now: https://mailchi.mp/ecc/swings-roundabouts-february-2026

12/01/2026

I hope you all managed to enjoy a well-earned break and had the chance to put your feet up!

At NZ Childcare Finance, we’re incredibly excited for what’s in store for 2026 more events, more sponsorships, more learning, and more opportunities to connect with the amazing people who make the early childhood sector so special. We know that running a kindergarten or centre isn’t without its challenges, especially when it comes to cash flow and financial pressure. That’s why we’re proud to support centres across New Zealand with bridging finance that helps ease those pressures, providing stability when it’s needed most.

We’re so lucky to work alongside such passionate, resilient people in this industry. Here’s to another year of collaboration, growth, and supporting the foundations that allow our Tamariki and communities to thrive.

Wishing you all the best year ahead!

06/11/2025

💙🤍🧡 Continuing Lena’s Legacy 💙🤍🧡

Many of you may have already seen the special mention of Lena’s departure in the Early Childhood Council swings and round abouts issue. If not, you can read about her incredible 20-year legacy below:

For the past three months, I’ve been honoured to step into the role at New Zealand Childcare Finance, following Lena Thomson’s remarkable work.

Lena built more than a finance business; she built trusted partnerships with early childhood centres across New Zealand. My goal is to continue that same support, helping educators and centre owners thrive so they can focus on what matters most: the children. I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people in the industry and can't wait for what the future holds!

I’m excited for this next chapter with the amazing ECC community.

🔗 Read more about Lena’s 20-year journey

In 2005, after owning and operating Strawberry Fields childcare centres in Auckland, I founded New Zealand Childcare Finance - a specialist finance company to help early childhood operators access the

03/11/2025

We understand that many of you have experienced a shortfall in your recent MOE bulk funding this funding round...

We know how stressful that can feel, especially when you’ve already planned your budgets around expected funding.

Please remember, you’re not alone in this.

Our team at New Zealand Childcare Finance is here to help you navigate this shortfall, review your cash flow, and explore options to keep your centre running smoothly.

Reach out today, we’ll work with you to find the best way forward.

💙 Supporting Kiwi childcare centres every step of the way. 💙

15/10/2025

Lean on us until the government sort itself out!

Up to 400 early childhood centres could close in the next year due to rising costs and gaps in government funding. Many centres are facing huge shortfalls, and raising parent fees isn’t an option—especially for those serving vulnerable communities.

At NZ Childcare Finance, we help kindergartens and ECE centres bridge the gap between government payments, keeping doors open and Tamariki learning.

If your centre is struggling with cash flow between payments, we can help.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360852868/many-400-early-childhood-centres-could-close-next-year-analysis-shows?fbclid=IwY2xjawNb6HNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjo1lLcOgFwdz-liN3mxoQe_Pfd2Wz9q5_4DQMdPT1J_Z9fCjyZL-TQQJHzS_aem_KKN3CI4O7vSnlHB7VpTEFg

Thousands of families could lose childrecare in the next year, new analysis warns, with about 8% of centres facing closure.

15/09/2025

Stressed by uneven MOE funding?

We’ll smooth out the bumps so you can focus on running your centre & not worrying about cashflow.

Fast. Simple. Supportive.

📞0800 777 559
📧[email protected]

Access your next bulk funding payment when you need it! Fast, simple, and hassle-free. Apply online in minutes, get approved quickly, and receive funds the same day. Trusted by ECE centres across NZ. We’re here to help when you need it most.

08/09/2025

6 Ways to Make Your Childcare Centre Budget Work - Without Losing Your Mind!

Managing a childcare centre budget isn't just numbers, its navigating rising costs, unexpected bills, and making sure there's still coffee in the staffroom.

Here are 6 practical tips to keep your budget in check and your stress levels down:

🔶 Your budget won’t be perfect and that’s fine.
Think of it as a working draft. If you’re regularly spending more in one area (like nappies or snacks), adjust it don’t fight it.

🔷 Cash flow matters more than the total.
You might be “on budget” but still short when bills hit. Timing is everything especially around MOE funding gaps.

🔶 Be a little pessimistic - on purpose.
Overestimate your costs, underestimate your income. It’s not negative thinking it’s smart budgeting.

🔷 Set aside a small cash buffer.
Even a few hundred from each bulk funding round can give you breathing room when things get tight even if it's just $100, this all adds up overtime.

🔶 Check in monthly.
A 10-minute budget review each month can save you a whole lot of scrambling later.

🔷 Use your budget to guide decisions, not block them.
If an urgent need comes up, flexibility is key. A budget should help you stay in control, not keep you boxed in.

And if you're caught between funding cycles and need a short-term boost? Childcare Finance offers fast, flexible loans designed just for ECE centres:

✅ No property security
✅ Fixed fees, no surprises
✅ 2-minute application
✅ 95%+ approval rate

📲 Apply now at childcarefinance.co.nz

Because running a centre is hard enough, funding it shouldn’t be.

Call Emily now on 021540516 if you need any help or have any questions.

Wow, I can get my next bulk funding payment early …That makes so much sense! APPLY HERE Access your bulk funding, now […]

29/08/2025

Bridging the Gap for a Growing Childcare Centre

Loan Amount: $150,000
Turnaround: Same-day approval and payment
Challenge: Cashflow strain during a growth phase

The Situation:
A rural early childhood centre recently expanded its license to increase enrolments, great news for the community, but the increased overheads put pressure on their cashflow between Ministry of Education bulk funding dates. With staff wages, new resources, and renovation costs adding up, the centre manager needed a short-term financial boost to cover the gap without taking on long-term debt or dipping into emergency reserves.

The Solution:
After a recommendation from another provider, the centre reached out to NZ Childcare Finance. The application was quick and straightforward, just a simple form, and no need for property collateral. Within a few hours, they were approved and had $150,000 in their account the same day.

The Outcome:
The funding helped the centre manage payroll, purchase much-needed equipment for the new room, and confidently bridge the gap until their next MOE payment.
The fixed fee structure made budgeting easy, and they repaid the advance in full on the agreed date.

"This was such a stress-reliever. The process was fast, friendly, and exactly what we needed. I’d recommend NZ Childcare Finance to any ECE provider wanting breathing room without the red tape."
- Centre Manager.

Want to learn more?
If you're an ECE provider needing short-term support between bulk funding dates, get in touch with NZ Childcare Finance — founded by people who truly understand the sector.

20/08/2025

🌟What an amazing time at the ECC Conference! 🌟

Although NZ Childcare Finance has been going for over 20 years, it was my very first time attending and I had the best time. Everyone was so lovely, and it was so inspiring to see so many passionate people all in one place.

We know how hard our incredible ECE staff work all year round, so this year we not only sponsored the coffee machine (much needed!) but also brought along some yummy goodies to share.

Plus our little succulents were a huge hit! They represent our passion for helping centres grow strong roots and build a stable foundation for the future just like you do for our tamariki every day. They were super fun and affordable to make, so if you’d like to do this with your centre, let me know and I’ll share where I got the resources from.

Of course, we couldn’t resist adding some fun! Our stand featured a game that brought so many laughs, smiles, and a bit of healthy competition. A huge congratulations to our winner, Tash Doyle from Gems of Education who scored an incredible 105 points! She went home with the game and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Thank you again to everyone who stopped by – we loved connecting with you all and can’t wait to see you again next year!

20/08/2025

🚨Who is New Zealand Childcare Finance?🚨

We’re proud to be one of the only finance companies in New Zealand specialising exclusively in early childhood education. What makes us different? Our owners and operators have personally run childcare centres themselves, so we truly understand the daily challenges and pressures you face.

Our founder, Lena Thomson, brings over a decade of experience running childcare centres in Auckland, managing hundreds of children, parents, and staff. She also has a strong background in finance from her time at Bank of New Zealand, meaning we’re well equipped to support your centre’s financial health.

At NZ Childcare Finance, we’re passionate about easing financial stress and helping childcare operators across the country from Kaitaia to Invercargill smooth their cash flow so they can focus on what matters most - providing the best care and education to New Zealand’s future leaders.

We’re proud to have a 17-year partnership with the Early Childhood Council, supporting quality education services nationwide.

If you’re a childcare operator looking for flexible, trusted funding and a team that truly understands your world, you’ve come to the right place. We’d love to connect and help your centre thrive!

Send a message to learn more