Major childcare provider joins 20-hours free scheme

The country's largest childcare provider will trial the Government's 20-hours free scheme.

The Auckland Kindergarten Association says it has reluctantly opted in on the plan. It will charge parents 50c extra an hour to cover the cost shortfalls of the plan.

General Manager Tanya Harvey says because the Government will not allow mandatory fees, that income is not reliable. She says the decision will be reviewed over the next six months and if the financial viability of the organisation is threatened it will look at withdrawing from the scheme.

Ms Harvey says parents and teachers have been told of the decision.

- NEWSTALK ZB