Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Yes, it will. This funding boost comes at a time when there's likely to be lower demand for early learning services. The new funding band will encourage centres to use fully trained teachers and to keep the fully trained teachers that they have in work. As we respond to the challenges of COVID-19 and rebuild together, it's vitally important that this sector, who work with our youngest New Zealanders, is funded properly. A decade of underfunding has had a significant impact on the sector, which is why early childhood education was our top education priority in this year's Budget.