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Early childhood education centres across central Auckland will get a big boost to their funding rates from 1 July.

Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche says the funding boost from Budget 2006 will enable Auckland's 323 centres to employ more qualified teachers.

Nationwide, the Labour-led government is investing $30 million over the next four years as part of a drive to lift quality in early childhood teaching.

"High quality early childhood education significantly affect children's learning and cognitive development," said Mark Gosche.

"The increase to funding rates from 1 July will help to boost the number of qualified early childhood teachers in Auckland and across the country, and ensure all children can access quality early childhood education."

Funding rates for all-day services will increase by up to 13 per cent, while rates for session-based services will increase by up to 11 per cent.

Auckland playcentres will also get a 9 per cent funding boost, which will help volunteers reduce the time they spend on paperwork and spend more time with children.

"Quality and participation in early childhood education have increased significantly in the last five years as a result of Labour-led government investments.

"Nine out of ten New Zealand children now take part in early childhood education. Nationwide, ECE funding has more than doubled since 1999, and the number of qualified teachers has increased by 50 per cent.

To reduce the cost of early childhood education for all New Zealand families, the Labour-led government is implementing up to 20 free hours of early childhood education for 3 and 4 year-olds beginning in July next year.

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