About the Award
We want men and we value men in the early childhood education (ECE) sector. Achieving a gender balance of men and women in ECE teaching is important for the quality of ECE for children and to address occupational gender bias. READ MORE
This Award is offered to say to men they are invited to consider becoming an early childhood teacher. Men may not consider taking up early childhood teaching because it traditionally is a female dominated occupation. So, we are putting out the welcome mat and offering this Award.
The Invitation Award comprises of:
• A grant of $400.00 to go toward the cost of study provided by a Sponsor.
• A 12-month personal membership with us.
Award applicants may be based anywhere in NZ but must meet each of the following criteria:
- Be male.
- Be born in NZ or have full NZ residency.
- Provide proof of acceptance by a NZ public tertiary education institution into an ECE diploma or degree programme leading to a qualification recognised by the Teaching Council for working as a certificated teacher in early childhood education.
- Be about to commence teacher education study or enrolled in a teacher education programme for not more than 60 days from the date of course commencement.
- Not have applied for or been granted any other scholarship or grant other than a student allowance to assist with the costs of teacher training.
Note that we reserve the right not to grant the Award to any applicant and in any year. We will not enter into discussions or provide explanations.
Contact Us for a copy of the application form
Past Award Winners
Liam Bowen 2021
Auckland based. Studying for a Grad Diploma in ECE at the University of Auckland
Sponsored by Honeybees Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Liam Bowen
Josh Allen, 2018
Wellington based, Full-time study for a B.Ed degree in ECE at the University of Victoria, Wellington
Sponsored by Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Josh Allen
Matthew Lambert, 2015
Auckland based. Full-time study for a B.Tch degree in ECE
Sponsored by Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Matthew Lambert
Simon Murphy, 2014
Nelson based. Studying at the University of Canterbury)
Sponsored by Shine Montessori Educare Early Childhood Centre, Lower Hutt
Patrick Lockley, 2014
(Hamilton based. Full-time studying at Wintec)
Sponsored by Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Patrick Lockley
Joshua McKay, 2014
Blenheim based. Full-time study at the TTPOoA/NZ Childcare Assn
Sponsored by Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre, Rotorua.
See an article about Joshua McKay
Ben Goris, 2014
(Auckland based. Full-time study at UNITEC)
Sponsored by Educational Personnel
See an article about Ben Goris
Shaun Masterson, 2013
Kumeu based. Studying at UNITEC
Sponsored by UNITEC.
Jade Bollond 2013
Auckland based. Studying at UNITEC
Sponsored by the Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Jade Bollond
Robert Barlow 2013
Hamilton based. Studying at Wintec
Sponsored by the Ole Schoolhouse Early Childhood Centre
See an article about Robert Barlow