The new-look Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme has expanded its eligibility to benefit children as young as two. Morning tea and lunches will be provided to low-equity, not-forprofit, community-based early childhood centres, reaching 10,000 additional children.
According to Consumer NZ, around 40,000 New Zealanders are disconnected from the power supply each year for non-payment. This situation forces many families to choose between food and power. The school lunch programme was initially created to provide lunches for kids caught up in this challenge.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced that the programme will target a broader age range, including younger children, with a revised food model. “The first 1,000 days are key to a child’s development. I am proud this government can innovate to help even more children who need it,” Seymour said.
Under the new ‘alternative provision model,’ intermediate and secondary
school students will receive their lunches differently. The government will buy a large supply of goods, which schools can order based on demand. Individual schools will be responsible for storing, preparing, and distributing the food. These changes will take effect at the beginning of 2025. Water bottles have become a hot topic in schools, with some calls to ban them during lesson time. I often remind my team that we are not in the Sahara. It’s 22 degrees in the office, and a water bottle is unnecessary for a 20-minute meeting when your desk is only ten feet away. Similarly, it seems unnecessary for students to have water bottles constantly at hand, except during PE classes.
Please share your thoughts on this and how you manage water bottle usage at your school.
Tania Walters, PUBLISHER
DOWNGRADE WILL Rob Children
Health Coalition Aotearoa said the Government has sunk to a new low following its announcement that it will replace high-quality nutritious lunches with largely processed snack foods for Intermediate and High School students, as families continue to struggle with food insecurity.
PROFESSOR BOYD SWINBURN HCA Co-Chair
“This announcement is a devastating lost opportunity to promote healthy eating habits that protect against chronic diseases that result in major health system costs,” Health Coaltiion Aotearoa (HCA) co-chair Professor Lisa Te Morenga said.
HCA is pleased the programme will continue for primary schools and there are plans for food provision to a small number of pre-schools, but this should not come at the expense of healthy lunches for intermediate and high school students.
The Healthy School Lunches Programme, Ka Ora, Ka Ako, was designed to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, reduce financial hardship and help reduce barriers to learning for disadvantaged tamariki and rangatahi.
Evaluations from the Ministry of Education and independent research show that in just four years of operation, it succeeded in achieving these aims –and more.
The Ka Ora, Ka Ako meals meet nutritional guidelines and provide students with one third of the nutrients they need each day.
The nutrients in these meals are essential for immunity to illness and disease and to address significant health problems kids are facing, including obesity, dental caries and mental ill-health.
“Pallets of packaged foods are not going to remotely match the high quality, nutritionally balanced and tasty meals of Ka Ora, Ka Ako,” HCA co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn said.
HCA is extremely concerned about the impacts of the new model on the mental well-being of intermediate and high school students, and the loss of jobs.
“How are they going to distribute the food to the students? Will it be, ‘hey all you poor kids, come and line up over here to get some food’,” Swinburn said.
The whole-of-school approach of Ka Ora, Ka Ako is a key element in its success in promoting healthy eating.
“Because the students are eating these meals together, they get the nutritional benefits of trying new, healthy foods as well as the mental health benefits of manaakitanga through a shared meal,” Te Morenga said.
This approach is strongly endorsed by principals because it avoided the stigma of poverty and greatly reduced the burdens on schools and teachers identifying and feeding those who did not have breakfast or lunches.
Minister Seymour wrongly accuses Ka Ora, Ka Ako of being wasteful and having no evidence of impacts. HCA would like to see the evidence he has that his new model with more packaged food will be less wasteful and will be able to match the outcomes that Ka Ora, Ka Ako has achieved.
“Does Mr Seymour have any evidence at all that his cheaper model will help disadvantaged children and families by reducing hunger, improving nutrition, reducing financial hardship and improving educational achievement, attendance, engagement?” HCA co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn asked. H
FOR INVESTMENTEducation Focus
The coalition Government has announced a boost in education spending by NZD 2.93 billion over the next four years to improve student outcomes. Education Minister Erica Stanford said this would lift educational achievement.
“T
he investment includes extra funding for new classrooms, additional teacher support and early childhood education,” Stanford said.
“It also includes previously announced additional funding for structured literacy, more teachers, the school lunches programme, charter schools and period products in schools.
“Education has the power to change lives. We want every child to have the opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications they need to achieve their potential.”
The additional funding has increased the total investment in schools and early childhood education by 3.6 percent in the coming year to NZD 19.1 billion. Savings of NZD 429 million within Vote Education have been redirected to higher-priority frontline areas within education.
Key investments made in the 2024 Budget include an additional NZD 1.48 billion for education and NZD 478 million operating funding for Ka Ora Ka Ako to continue the Healthy School Lunches Programme for two years, with NZD 8 million dedicated to introducing a targeted early childhood food programme.
The government will also invest NZD 199 million over four years, including a three percent increase for Schools
This investment will also allow us to make repairs and upgrades to existing buildings, improving these learning environments for students and their teachers.
Equity and Isolation Index based components and a 2.5 percent increase for the remaining components of school operating grants.
“The additional investment in school property, which includes funding for new schools and classrooms, school maintenance and depreciation, will help ensure kids can learn in safe, warm and dry schools and that the school property portfolio can expand to accommodate more students,” said Stanford.
“This investment will also allow us to make repairs and upgrades to existing buildings, improving these learning environments for students and their teachers.”
Further investments will also benefit digital services in schools, the establishment of charter schools, the implementation of structured literacy in all state primary schools, to support
the increase of ESOL students, and for Holidays Act Remediation for school employees based on an updated estimate of liability.
The funding will also provide NZD 53 million over four years for teacher supply, retention, and attraction initiatives.
“Together with the other investments we are making in education, these investments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to lifting student achievement,” said Stanford.
“We’re determined to improve achievement for all children by establishing a knowledge-rich curriculum, improving reading and maths outcomes, implementing consistent ways of monitoring student progress, improving teacher training, providing better support to students with additional needs and making greater use of data.”
SPECIALIST SCHOOLS
Investment
The coalition Government has announced the delivery of record levels of targeted investment in specialist schools so children with additional needs can thrive.
As part of Budget 24, NZD 89 million has been ringfenced to redevelop specialist facilities and increase satellite classrooms for students with high needs.
“We are providing certainty for parents, teachers and children by committing to the redevelopment of three schools and the provision of an additional 17 satellite classrooms around New Zealand,” Education Minister Erica Stanford said.
“A report recently released by the Education Review Office (ERO) highlights that some of our most vulnerable learners are in classrooms that are in a terrible condition. I was horrified to learn about the unacceptable state of specialist school property and the long wait lists of more than 650 children, following significant underinvestment in maintenance and growth.”
Funding has included NZD 63 million in depreciation funding to upgrade specialist schools in poor conditions, as well as NZD 26 million in capital funding to deliver
additional capacity through satellite classrooms for specialist schools, relieving pressure on the network.
“This investment includes funding for the upgrade of Sommerville Special School in Auckland. Work will begin on-site at the end of this year. Decisions on funding for two other specialist schools are in their final stages.”
Stanford said the coalition government had committed to include specialist schools and satellite classrooms in network planning for the first time to give families around New Zealand the choice they deserve.
A specialist schools work programme is also underway to ensure children get the critical services they need. This work is part of the coalition government’s six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system.
“This announcement signals this Government’s firm commitment to our specialist schools who do incredible work for young people with the highest needs.” H
GOING
Bananas
New research has revealed that increased food guidelines and ‘must-have’ lunch box styles have become one of the main educational fears for Australian parents.
The report was released as part of Hort Innovation and Australian Banana’s “Back to School” campaign, which collected the views and opinions of Australian parents with school-aged children.
The biggest educational change for parents was the use of technology, as 76 percent believed it was vastly different from when they were at school.
The cost-of-living crisis was also at the forefront of parents’ minds, as 57 percent have felt a noticeable pinch when shopping for lunch box fillers.
Funded by banana growers through the market levy, the research has drawn differences between the modern concept of a school lunch box and what is acceptable to put in it, compared to their own schooling experience.
The “Back to School” campaign was designed to encourage parents to pack a banana in their child’s lunch box. Nearly all parents surveyed (93 percent) said they already included a banana on a frequent basis.
Dianne Sciacca, member of Australian Bananas, said bananas are the perfect addition to a child’s lunch box.
“Bananas have been the go-to school snack for generations. Packed with natural carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and potassium, Australian Bananas are the perfect snack for fuelling any hop, skip or jump,” said Sciacca.
Four in five parents surveyed said they now needed to adhere to food guidelines, whereas almost half of Australian parents said there were significantly more restrictions on school lunches compared to when they were at school.
Due to increased allergy awareness, nuts and seafood were considered the biggest ‘no-nos’; however, treats containing sugar and even plastic wrap followed on the list. Almost 70 percent of Australian parents have found it increasingly difficult to follow the evolving school lunch box guidelines.
Classic sandwich fillings such as peanut butter and ham have declined in popularity compared to sushi and salad, which have become the new preferred favourites.
Physical lunchboxes have become less popular, and paper bags are virtually nonexistent in Australian schools. Instead, bento boxes and cooler bags have seen a rise in popularity, and are now the preferred choice for students. H
Wider Benefits
OF KA ORA KA AKO
There’s ample evidence demonstrating that free school lunch programmes provide wide benefits across schools, households, and communities, according to public health researchers.
ACT Minister David Seymour wants to reduce the spending on New Zealand’s free school lunch programme Ka Ora, Ka Ako by half, stating there’s no evidence to support it.
However, in the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, University of Auckland researcher Dr Kelly Garton and co-authors Dr Rachael Glassey and Professor David Tipene-Leach of Te Pūkenga, Hawke’s Bay argue that in addition to published findings from Ka Ora,
Ka Ako evaluations, there is international evidence that show the value of school lunch programmes.
Dr Garton said there’s a risk of missing the wider benefits of the programme with a narrow cost-benefit framing.
“Evaluations of the New Zealand programme have been able to measure effects like reduced student hunger, higher physical and mental wellbeing, and improved alertness and capacity to learn, and better attendance for the learners facing the greatest challenges.”
A Kaupapa Māori evaluation has noted identifiable shifts in behaviour, attitudes, attendance and engagement during class for Māori learners according to the authors.
Dr Garton quotes an independent study collecting perspectives of students, whānau and school principals across four Ka Ora, Ka Ako schools in Hawke’s Bay.
“This study has found evidence of improved food security, enhanced equity, increased appreciation of healthy food for students, reduced financial hardship and stress for families, opportunities for nutritional learning, and enhanced mana (wellbeing) for all.”
“International evidence from free school lunch programmes tells us that these gains amplify over time and have a ripple effect on communities and the food system,” said Dr Garton.
The authors also stress the importance of providing the lunches to all students in the school. Overseas research from middle schools in New York City has found that extending free school lunches to all students regardless of income improves academic performance across the board. Studies from Norway also suggest that eating the same meal together results in increased well-being and improved dietary habits for all kids involved.
“Most countries that have school lunch programmes, such as France, Italy, the US, India, Sweden, Finland, Scotland and Wales, feed all learners at the schools,” said co-author Prof. Tipene-Leach.
“There is overwhelming evidence that programmes that target so-called ‘needy’ students create stigma, and have been linked to lower self-esteem and poorer academic performance.” H
YES FOR Free Lunches
More than 3300 children support keeping Ka Ora, Ka Ako in a Save the Children survey, despite the Government signalling potential cuts to the Healthy School Lunches Programme.
Results from Save the Children’s poll show 95 percent of the approximately 3500 children aged between five 17-years surveyed are in support of “keeping” or “expanding” the programme, while just three percent of children surveyed (94 children) are in favour of removing the programme and two percent (80 children) “don’t know”.
Tamariki had their say by individually completing an online poll, or with the support of their teachers completing the poll as a class, and 155 children voted in person via polling booths at events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ngāmotu New Plymouth.
Comments from the children who engaged in the poll showed just how important the Healthy School Lunches Programme is to them and their peers.
“Sometimes we don’t have enough food to bring much lunch. Sometimes, we run out of food at home. There is only dinner sometimes,” one participant said.
“It’s a really good programme that helps,” said another. “Some of my friends don’t have enough food at home and this helps them not be hungry.”
“It is great that we get kai every day. Sometimes the lunches aren’t that great. I like having kai all the time. My lunch is yummy most of the time. Why do we have to have salad? At home we don’t have much food, so it’s good when I come to school and know that there will be a kai
for me to have.”
Save the Children New Zealand Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey said the programme is an investment in children’s wellbeing and achievement at school and directly supports families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
She said children have the right to be meaningfully consulted on Ka Ora, Ka Ako and their views should inform decisions related to any changes to the programme. Results are being shared with politicians.
“Despite being most directly impacted by any changes, children’s voices have not been heard. Our Children’s Voices polls have given them an opportunity to have their say. We hope government decisionmakers will listen and take onboard their feedback and consider the positive benefits of the programme for children in terms of Budget 2024 spending decisions.
“While Save the Children agrees that food waste minimisation is important, we do not support changes to the programme that could end up stigmatising children such as targeting to individuals. Instead, looking to alternatives to reduce waste such as providing greater choice, child consultation on menus and further training for kitchen staff and kai providers could improve an extremely effective programme.”
Children polled also gave suggestions on how to improve the programme to make it more appealing and reduce waste, including adding more variety of food,
a choice of menus, placing an order the week before, more fruit, and extra hot food options. Children showed they are aware of the importance of the programme and that cuts or reductions will be detrimental.
“Consider the negative impact the removing of this programme will have on this generation and generations to come,” said one participant.
“What will they miss out on achieving or providing for their communities and families in the future due to you cutting this cost and opportunities for them today? Then consider the cost the Government may have to pay in the future as a result of this possible cost saving today. Suggest the costs and impact in the future will outweigh the cost and benefit impact of today.”
One respondent who voted for removal of the programme suggested that if the school lunches programme is reduced, the funds saved should be reinvested into other initiatives such as school gardens.
Ka Ora, Ka Ako is an investment rather than a cost, providing around a million lunches nationwide each week to more than 230,000 children in 998 schools and kura. Supporters of the programme say it improves children’s wellbeing, health and learning and supports children living in poverty. It is a tangible way for the Government to fulfil promises to reduce the cost of living, improve achievement and attendance rates, and reduce reliance on cheap, unhealthy food while supporting local jobs and food systems. H
Smarter Lunch
PROGRAMME TO FEED MORE
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise.
DAVID SEYMOUR Associate Education Minister
“We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money with respect. All students currently receiving a lunch through the programme will continue to receive a lunch at school for significantly less cost to taxpayers,” said Seymour.
“The Healthy School Lunches Programme will continue, alongside a new targeted programme for up to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds in early learning services. I am pleased to announce there will be a new targeted programme to provide food to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds who attend lowequity, not-for-profit, community-based early learning services, funded using
the cost savings found in the lunch programme."
Seymour said the first 1,000 days are key to a child’s development, and he was proud the coalition government could innovate to help even more children who need it.
Budget 2024 provides NZD 478 million of funding for the school lunches programme. Funding an interim model which will be put in place for 2025 and 2026 while a full redesign of the programme is implemented, based on commercial experience, data, and evidence.
In the meantime, there will be no change to the school lunch programme for primary learners in years zero to six who currently receive a taxpayer-funded
lunch. An alternative provision model will be established for years seven and up.
“The alternate provision model will use the government’s significant buying power to save money on food, give schools more flexibility on what they provide, and significantly reduce wastage. It also means parents and students can choose to make their own lunch,” said Seymour.
“Because of the fiscal cliff left by the previous government, we have had to fund an interim solution for 2025 and 2026 in an environment of extreme fiscal restraint to ensure we do not leave children and their families in the lurch. Through innovation and embracing commercial expertise, we’re delivering
The Healthy School Lunches
Programme will continue, alongside a new targeted programme for up to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds in early learning services. I am pleased to announce there will be a new targeted programme to provide food to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds who attend lowequity, not-for-profit, communitybased early learning services, funded using the cost savings found in the lunch programme.
a better programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million per annum compared to how Labour funded it."
Seymour added that the previous government conditioned people to believe that the only way to show a government cared was to spend more money and employ more people.
“We think improving outcomes for all New Zealanders is better, but those things are not always connected. Students will receive nutritious food that they want to eat. It will be made up of the sorts of food items thousands of mums and dads put into lunch boxes every day for their kids – forget quinoa, couscous, and hummus, it will be more like sandwiches and fruit."
He said the improved school lunches
programme was an example of how the current government is committed to providing New Zealanders with better public services while spending less of their money.
Students at schools receiving taxpayer-funded lunches will also continue to be supported by the Kickstart Breakfast and Fruit in Schools programmes.
For the remainder of 2024, the school lunches programme will remain as is with all current contracts and commitments in place. H
Fruit IN SCHOOLS
Fruit in Schools: Enhancing Health and Learning in New Zealand
he “Fruit in Schools” (FIS) initiative is a remarkable program aimed at improving the health and learning environments of primary and intermediate school children in New Zealand, particularly those in low socio-economic areas. Managed by United Fresh and funded by Te Whatu Ora, the initiative has demonstrated significant benefits in various domains, from promoting healthy eating habits to supporting overall educational outcomes.
The FIS program provides daily fresh fruit and vegetables to children in Year 1-8 schools across Aotearoa. At the start of 2023, the program was supporting 566 schools, supplying high-quality, seasonal produce sourced predominantly from New Zealand growers. Deliveries are made twice a week, ensuring that students and staff have regular access to fresh produce.
In addition to providing fruit, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, which oversees the initiative, offers schools a range of support materials. These include posters, teaching resources, and food safety information, all designed to integrate healthy eating
into the school curriculum. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of the program extend beyond mere provision of food, fostering an environment where healthy lifestyle choices are a part of everyday learning .
The 2023 evaluation of FIS revealed that the program significantly contributes to creating healthier school environments. Principals reported that having fresh fruit available daily helped establish a culture of healthy eating among students. This not only addressed immediate nutritional needs but also encouraged long-term healthy eating habits.
Moreover, the availability of fresh fruit in schools was found to support school and kura values, reinforcing messages about the importance of health and well-being. Schools noted that the initiative aligned well with their educational goals and values, promoting a holistic approach to student development.
One of the critical roles of FIS is to feed hungry children. Many students come to school without having had a proper breakfast, and the provision of fresh fruit helps to mitigate the effects of hunger on their ability to concentrate and learn. Principals
highlighted that the program ensures all children have access to nutritious food, which is essential for their cognitive and physical development .
The program also plays a significant role in promoting nutrition. By providing a variety of fruits and vegetables, FIS exposes children to different tastes and textures, broadening their dietary preferences and encouraging them to make healthier food choices. This exposure is particularly important in low socioeconomic areas where access to fresh produce might be limited due to cost or availability.
The benefits of FIS extend beyond the school gates, reaching into the homes and communities of the children it serves. The program supports whānau (families) by alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with providing healthy food. This support is particularly valuable in the current economic climate, where many
families are struggling with the cost of living.
Parents and caregivers have expressed their appreciation for the program, noting that it helps them provide better nutrition for their children without added financial strain. This, in turn, fosters a positive relationship between schools and their communities, as schools are seen as supportive and caring institutions.
Educationally, the program has been linked to improved learning outcomes. Principals reported that students who are not distracted by hunger are better able to focus on their studies and participate actively in class. Furthermore, the teaching resources provided by 5+ A Day support curriculumlinked learning, helping teachers incorporate lessons on nutrition and healthy living into their daily teaching.
The program’s integration into the school curriculum ensures that children
learn about the importance of healthy eating as part of their education. This knowledge is crucial for establishing lifelong healthy habits and contributes to the overall well-being of students .
The Fruit in Schools initiative is a vital program that supports the health, well-being, and educational success of children in New Zealand’s low socio-economic areas. By providing fresh fruit and vegetables, promoting healthy eating, and supporting families, FIS plays a crucial role in fostering healthier, more engaged, and better-educated children. As schools and communities continue to navigate the challenges of the modern world, programs like FIS are essential in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. H
TIME TO BAN Drink Bottles?
Regional Victoria school, Ballarat Clarendon College, has sparked a vibrant online debate following its ban of water bottles in classrooms.
The “water trial” has been conducted for years five to nine, which will require students to leave their drink bottles outside the classroom whilst lessons are on.
A school spokesperson said that the trial would run during colder months, and that the school would remain ‘open-minded’ about its benefits and impact on students.
Students who have medical conditions and require constant access to water will be exempt from the trial.
Online, the decision to ban water bottles hasn’t been popular, with teachers and students sharing their suggestions.
Teachers have shared how water bottles can be an inconvenience in the classroom, as well as being highly distracting for students.
One teacher said that bottle flipping had become a nuisance in her classroom, as students would often be hit in the head, and Stanley cups that would spill.
She added that water bottles belong in school bags and students should have the occasional sip if required, but they should not be on desks.
On the other side of the argument, students believe that water bottles should be accessible whenever they please. One student said that banning water was jeopardising student’s rights, and that it as an outrageous decision.
Head of Middle School at Ballarat Clarendon College, Shaune Moloney, said there were no particular incidents that sparked the ban, but it was designed to minimise distractions and help students develop “self-regulation” skills.
He said that the use of water bottles in and around the classroom was something the school felt students needed support managing. The size of water bottles, noise, constant clunking in class, and the act of carrying a cumbersome bottle around with school books were all factors taken into
account by the school.
Under the ban, students are permitted to bring their drink bottles to active classes such as P.E. and dance classes, but not for sedentary lessons.
Ballarat Clarendon College could implement this ban due to the Department of Education having no specific policy on water bottles in classrooms. Its resources did, however, recommend under its heat health policy that students should be encouraged to drink water often and take their bottle with them always.
The Department of Education’s policy is only applicable to government schools, not independent schools such as Ballarat Clarendon College. H
State to Fund
SCHOOL FOOD RELIEF
The Queensland state budget has included an AUD 15 million boost for the School and Community Food Relief Programme.
Direct support will be provided to schools in communities experiencing high cost-of-living pressures and food insecurity.
This will help to provide Queensland students with free school breakfast and lunch, expanded healthy snack programmes or other initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of students.
“It’s why one of my key priorities as Premier has been delivering more accessible food options at schools – to give kids the best start and help take the pressure of busy parents,” said Queensland Premier, Steven Miles.
“I don’t want Queenslanders to choose between paying their rent or mortgage and putting food in their kid’s lunchbox.”
Funding will also help to deliver nutrition education and increase access to healthy food options.
The health and well-being of students has been signalled as an important focus for the government. The government has also identified that a healthy diet and a full stomach not only help students perform better in the classroom but will develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
A School and Community Food Taskforce, with cross-sector membership has also been established and will provide advice on options to support access to healthy food and drink for Queensland families.
The budget announcement came as the government confirmed the 277 Queensland State Schools that will share in AUD 68 million to upgrade their playgrounds and tuckshops.
Schools were able to apply for funding of up to AUD 500,000 to upgrade playgrounds, including to replace soft fall surfacing and install shade cover structures, and for tuckshops to purchase items such as catering appliances and equipment, install stainless steel benches and upgrade facilities.
The programme prioritised funding playground and tuckshop upgrades at schools in communities where these improvements are needed most. H
