21954 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education

21954 (2025). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Associate Minister of Education: Did the Associate Minister receive advice from the Ministry of Education regarding risks and performance management issues of any potential suppliers for the alternative provision of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme after the evaluation period of the procurement process and prior to the contract being awarded last year; if so, what was the advice?

Hon David Seymour: I did not receive any advice from the Ministry regarding risks and performance management issues of any potential suppliers for the alternative provision of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme after the evaluation period of the procurement process and prior to the contract being awarded last year. A robust procurement process was followed for the selection of providers of school lunch services. The negotiations, due diligence on the preferred provider, and contract award, was managed by the Ministry of Education. It is not appropriate for Ministers to be involved in procurement processes.