Participation rates in early-childhood education reached a high last year, though some groups still lag, official figures show.
Last year, 95% of year one students had had early-childhood education before they started school.
But among children at decile one schools, the figure was 82%. Among those from Pacific Island backgrounds, it was 85.5%.
The figures also show regional differences. Participation rates were below 90% in only five districts: the Far North, Manukau City, Papakura, Otorohanga and Waitomo.
Otorohanga and Waitomo also had the lowest rates of teacher registration.
