Finally, Key does a media release on childcare

The 20 hours free policy has finally gone to the top of the National press bunch, with John Key's office issuing a media release on the policy stating that Labour's policy will go the same way as school "donations" - ie: it will not be free after all and parents will be forced to pay for the free policy. Actually, its worse.

Papers you can view here released under the Official Information Act show that in order for some to offer it, parents will be forced into contracts agreeing to top up the cost of the free scheme through optional charges. This means that the poorest areas of New Zealand - where the 20 hours free is most needed - will not be able to offer it.

When will the Government admit that this 20 hours free policy will not be free at all?