Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: As we respond to the impact of COVID-19 on our economy and on our society, the Government remains committed to fair pay for low-paid workers, especially the workers who have helped to get the country moving again. A significant pay gap had built up over time between these teachers and those in schools and kindergartens, following the decision nearly 10 years ago to stop passing on to education and care services the funding rate increases that kindergartens got to meet the cost of pay settlements. 