7312 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education

7312 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education: How many schools, if any, have decreased their Ka Ora, Ka Ako lunches order since the beginning of Term 1, 2025; listed by number of schools and the total reduction, if any, of meals being ordered by schools?

Hon David Seymour: This Government respects taxpayer money. In an effort to reduce the wasted food and surplus food inherent in the previous programme, schools can plan and adjust the number of main and speciality meals delivered via an online ordering portal. Adjustments can take into account ordering for expected attendance instead of full roll, planned activities, school trips, teacher only days, if students attend offsite classes regularly, or if parents prefer to provide their children with their school lunch. The School Lunch Collective uses the quantity of meals entered by schools to inform the quantity of meals delivered daily. As one principal said : "From our perspective they’re doing the job they were set out to do which is provide food for those students who need it". I am advised the Ministry does not hold information about the number of schools that may have adjusted their order