1893 days ago

Free school lunches - A fantastic or flawed idea?

Reporter Taupō Times

Hi neighbours - thousands of school kids will get a free lunch at school, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

Ardern says "children themselves told us during the consultation on the strategy that going to school hungry was a barrier to their learning."

Education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye says the Government hasn't considered that most schools don't have infrastructure for large scale food preparation and storage. She says "this would cost hundreds of millions and take away the autonomy of parents to provide lunch for their children".

What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a fantastic or flawed idea? Would you prefer that schools prepared your child's lunch?

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More messages from your neighbours
14 days ago

Looking for Kefir grains

Viola from Taupo Central

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew somebody who I can get kefir grains off for making my own water kefir? Thank you.

10 hours ago

Hikoi - North Island

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hīkoi from Northland to Wellington.

The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the hīkoi route.
Major Operations Director Superintendent Kelly Ryan says Police have been engaged with hīkoi organisers for many weeks.
“Our discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she says.
The hīkoi is expected to leave Northland today (Monday 11 November) and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.

“We’ve planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,” Superintendent Ryan says.
“The MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
“We will continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
“We’re also well connected with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
“The MOC will remain in place while the hīkoi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.”

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19 hours ago

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