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Health – Campaign calls on Government for permanent fix to school lunch programme

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) is calling on the Government to create a permanent and consistent school lunch programme so every Kiwi child gets the food they need to learn.
The Government cut the Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch programme back at the beginning of this year. The new provider, The School Lunch Collective, won the contract on a $3-a-meal promise and since it took over then meals have shrunk, nutrition has dropped and inedible lunches are wasted.
“Let’s make our School Lunches Programme the best it can be for our kids, with funding that matches the need. Hungry kids don’t learn, and New Zealand can’t afford to let them fall behind,” said HCA spokesperson Dr Kelly Garton, a senior research fellow at the University of Auckland. “We know what works – healthy meals served consistently and with dignity.”
The current size of the meals are much smaller than servings under the previous model, and nutritionists say this means they likely provide only 14-20 percent of daily energy needs – well below the benchmark of 30 percent for a balanced school lunch.
But there is no regular monitoring or transparent reporting by the Ministry of Education to ensure meals consistently meet nutrition standards.
“Many teachers and principals say the smaller, low-quality lunches are undermining classroom learning,” said Garton.
Manurewa High School in South Auckland runs its own kitchen and serves lunches that are larger, nutritionally balanced and eaten.
“New Zealand needs a school lunch system that doesn’t squeeze out smaller, community-based providers and take away local choice, one that doesn’t prioritise large, commercial providers,” Manurewa High School Principal Pete Jones said.
“We need a school lunch system that serves lunches that students eat and gives them energy to learn. The programme shouldn’t be a political football.”
For many students the school lunch is their main meal of the day. Government funding for the current programme is only until the end of 2026.
Dr Garton said there had been no evidence to back centralising the programme to a few companies whose performance the Ministry of Education had already been warned about.
“We know what Manurewa High School is doing works well – and it’s time for the Government to commit to a model that is fairly funded, locally responsive and centred on children’s needs, not lowest cost,” said Garton.
Polling shows New Zealanders want the programme strengthened, not weakened:
  • 63% support government-funded school lunches.
  • 86% agree the programme stops kids going hungry.
  • 82% believe it helps children learn better.
“New Zealanders know that feeding kids properly helps them learn, improves their wellbeing and reduces pressure on families who are really struggling,” said Dr Garton.
“The evidence is clear, the original version of the programme was delivering really well. Investing properly in Aotearoa’s Healthy School Lunches Programme Ka Ora, Ka Ako is an investment in our future.”
HCA is urging the Government to:
  • Secure permanent funding in Vote Education in the Budget so the programme is consistent and permanent. At the moment, the meals are funded until the end of 2026.
  • Restore proper nutrition standards and realistic funding – at least $6 per meal.
  • Give schools flexibility to choose local suppliers or run their own kitchens.
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Local News – Keri Brown appointed Deputy Mayor of Lower Hutt

Source: Hutt City Council

Fauono Ken Laban, Mayor of Lower Hutt, has announced that Councillor Keri Brown will serve as Deputy Mayor for the 2025-2028 triennium.
“Keri brings significant experience and a genuine commitment to people,” says Mayor Ken. “I’ve seen first-hand her steady leadership and the respect she’s earned from colleagues and our community. She knows how to bring people together and get things done, and I’m proud to have her alongside me as Deputy Mayor.”
Councillor Brown, who was re-elected unopposed this term, has represented her community with dedication over the past six years. Her focus on collaboration, practical solutions and strong local relationships has made her a trusted voice around the Council table.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and to continue serving the city I love,” says Cr Brown. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Mayor Ken and our councillors to deliver on our shared priorities – getting the basics right, supporting our communities, and building trust through action.”
Mayor Ken says the appointment reflects his commitment to stability across the new Council. “Our residents have asked for a council that listens and delivers. Keri embodies that approach – grounded, capable, and deeply connected to the people we serve.”
As well as announcing his Deputy, Mayor Ken has set out the new committee structure. This includes:
Connected Communities, Climate and Resilience Committee
– Cr Mitchell – Chair
– Cr Shaw – Deputy Chair
Policy and Performance Committee
– Cr Stallinger – Chair
– Cr Parkin – Deputy Chair
Infrastructure and Regulatory Committee
– Cr Simon Edwards – Chair
– Cr Lewis – Deputy Chair
District Licensing Committee
– Cr Dyer – Chair
– Cr Ravi – Deputy Chair
District Plan Subcommittee
– Cr Dyer – Chair
– Cr Puketapu – Deputy Chair
Strategy, Long Term and Annual Plan Subcommittee
– Mayor Laban – Chair
– Deputy Mayor Brown – Deputy Chair
Age and Accessibility Subcommittee
– Cr Barratt – Chair
– Cr Parkin – Deputy Chair
Hutt Valley Services Committee
– Cr Shaw – Chair in 2026 (alternate with UHCC)
The new Council and Community Boards will be formally sworn in at the Inaugural Council Meeting on Wednesday 29 October at 5.30pm in the Lower Hutt Town Hall.
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First Responders – Hawke’s Bay fires update

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters continue to actively work to bring the three active fires in the Pōrangahau area under control.
None of the fires have grown significantly in size since this morning, with ground crews working hard without support from helicopters, which had to be grounded due to the wind.
Incident Controller Tony Kelly says crews will be continuing to work tomorrow, although only if it is safe to do so.
“We do have wind warnings in place, but we will work when we can and be using heavy machinery to put in containment lines around the fires.”
While no evacuation orders are expected overnight, people must remain vigilant and have a go-bag ready tomorrow in case the wind forces the fires towards Pōrangahau.
“The Pōrangahau Country Club, Wallingford Hall and Omakere Hall are all predesignated Community Emergency Hubs that are available to receive evacuees should the need arise. These will be managed by Central Hawke’s Bay District Council,” Tony Kelly says.
There continues to be a lot of low lying smoke in the area, so the nearby residents, particularly those in Pōrangahau, are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid going into the smoke where possible.
Those impacted by the smoke can call their GP or HealthLine on 0800 611 116.
The public is also advised to not fly drones in the area, as air operations could commence with little or no notice if weather conditions allow, but this could not happen is a drone was sighted in the area.
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Employment Issues – Strikes on, some rallies shift indoors, some cancelled because of weather – PSA

Source: PSA

Tomorrow health and ACC workers say loud and clear the time to value us is now
Tomorrow’s strikes will be sending the Government a loud and clear message that it must invest in health workers and the public health system.
Around 18,000 health and ACC workers who are PSA members, will strike tomorrow, joining thousands of other public sector workers frustrated by the Government’s pay offers and underfunding of public services.
“Health workers are standing up not just for themselves, but for the patients who deserve staffing levels that can provide the safe, quality care they deserve,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“For three Government Ministers to claim today that the strikes are unnecessary and unfair shows how out of touch they are with the pressures on our members in a cost of living crisis and the problems facing the health system.
“We say stop with the threats and the political games and come back to the bargaining table with offers which value what health workers do 24/7 caring for New Zealanders.”
Forecast adverse weather has resulted in some rallies being cancelled and others shifted to indoor locations. See details at this link.
There is strong public support for the strikes – a Talbot Mills poll out today showed more than six out of ten New Zealanders backing the action.
“The Government was able to announce billions of dollars for new roads on Monday but still can’t find more money for the health system,” said Fitzsimons. “That’s just rubbing salt into the wounds of health workers who are exhausted from working in understaffed hospitals and frustrated that the Government expects them to accept pay offers that don't keep up with the cost of living.”
Nelson health promotion advisor Hilary Genet works to keep people out of hospital, encouraging healthy lifestyles, from improving mental wellbeing to advising on better nutrition.
“We’re just not being heard. My work involves trying to keep our community well, so they won’t need to access our already overburdened public health system. It is sad and ironic that I have a focus on workplace mental wellbeing while our own staff’s wellbeing is at an all-time low.
“Staff shortages are already leading to long wait times for appointments and procedures. The public we serve is entitled to feel angry and frustrated. We work within the system, and every day also feel frustrated, angry and betrayed. Our community deserves better.”
Fleur Fitzsimons said the Government’s priorities were all wrong.
“The Prime Minister promised a laser focus on the cost-of-living crisis – health workers are still waiting to see evidence of that. Instead, they're getting pay offers that expect them to go backwards while landlords and tobacco companies get big tax breaks.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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New Zealand Flag to fly at half-mast to mark the funeral of former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jim Bolger

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

As a mark of mourning and respect, the New Zealand Flag is to be flown at half-mast on all Government and public buildings on Thursday 23 October 2025 to mark the funeral of former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Jim Bolger.
This instruction applies to all Government Departments, buildings and naval vessels which have flag poles and normally fly the New Zealand Flag. The Flag should be returned to full mast at the close of business hours on 23 October 2025.
The flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The half-mast position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole. The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably “half-mast” to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the flagpole. As a guide, the flag should be more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole.
At the end of the day, the flag should be raised again to the top of the flagpole before being fully lowered. More information about half-masting the flag is on the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage website: Display rules for the New Zealand flag.

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Aviation Appointments – New Board Chair and Deputy Chair announced for Airways NZ

Source: Airways New Zealand

Airways New Zealand today welcomed the appointment of Darin Cusack as the new Chair of the Airways Board and Danny Tuato’o as the new Deputy Chair, effective from 31 October 2025.

Darin is currently Deputy Chair of the Airways Board and brings extensive experience in aviation, transport and tourism. He has held chief executive and senior executive roles across airport, air navigation, aviation security and airline organisations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific region. Darin joined the Airways Board in April 2018 and will play a key role in guiding Airways as it continues to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable air traffic management services for New Zealand.

As a result of Darin’s appointment, Danny Tuato’o will step into the Deputy Board position. Danny joined the Airways Board in July 2023 and brings strong legal, leadership and governance expertise.

New Board Chair Darin Cusack says: “I look forward to ensuring Airways continues to perform strongly by delivering safe, efficient and resilient air traffic services across our vast 30 million square kilometres of controlled airspace, while understanding and adapting to the diverse needs of those who use New Zealand’s airspace”.

Airways’ Chief Executive James Young says the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the air navigation services provider, as it looks to the future and prepares to meet the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand’s aviation system.

“We congratulate both Darin and Danny on their respective appointments as Board Chair and Deputy Chair. The Board and Airways has benefited greatly from Darin’s broad aviation industry expertise and existing understanding of Airways, combined with Danny’s strong legal, governance and leadership experience.

“These skills, along with the continuity of having existing Board members appointed to these positions, will be invaluable as we build on the work already underway and continue delivering against our strategic priorities for building the future of New Zealand’s aviation system.”  

The Board and Executive wish to acknowledge and thank Denise Church QSO for her outstanding leadership as Chair over the past seven years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Denise’s leadership during this period provided strength, clarity and stability at a time of unprecedented challenge,” Mr Young says. “Her steady guidance and focus on our people and strategic priorities have strengthened Airways’ foundations and ensured we are well positioned to deliver on our strategy for the future.”

“Under Denise’s stewardship, Airways undertook a significant reset of our strategy, reaffirming our commitment to our people, safety, innovation, and sustainability. This work has set a clear direction for the Airways and has set the company us up for long-term success in an evolving aviation landscape.

Denise Church QSO says: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Airways. I am proud of the progress we have made together and confident that the organisation is well placed to continue delivering on its strategy and meeting the challenges ahead.”

In addition, Board member Mark Hutchinson will step down on 30 October at the conclusion of his term. The Board and Executive thank Mark for his strong contributions during his time on the Board, particularly regarding organisational culture and leadership.

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Fire Safety – Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire and weather updates

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Kaikoura fires
Eleven crews, including heavy machinery and dangerous tree fellers, are working across a large area of Kaikoura Flats to continue active firefighting and strengthen containment lines around each of the Kaikoura fires before the wind is due to pick up this afternoon.
There have been two helicopters assisting with ground crews.
State Highway 1 is open to all road traffic with speed restrictions in place from the Northern end of Kaikoura to Ward.
The railway line is now open and operational for all train movements.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says people in the Kaikoura Flats area who haven’t been evacuated must remain vigilant of any spot fires and dial 111 immediately if they see any.
“We need your help to keep on top any new fires that might start as the wind picks up this afternoon through until tomorrow.
“In addition, we are asking every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help us avoid any more fires starting, and please check any old burn piles to ensure they are fully extinguished.”
A total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks comes into force in Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid South Canterbury from noon today because of the extreme fire risk caused by the next wave of the severe gales forecast to hit the South Island.
Winds are forecast to exceed 100km/hr in many places, with high temperatures and low humidity. Talking points
Fire investigators have arrived on site, but have yet to determine a cause of the fires.
Hawke’s Bay fires
Firefighters remain active at three fires in Hawke’s Bay.
The largest of the fires is the Sale Yard Bridge fire at approximately 245 hectares.
Weather conditions have currently forced air operation to be suspended.
The fires at Bush Road and Schaeffer Road are approximately five and 10 hectares respectively.
Both fires are unable to be fought from the air due to high winds. Ground crews are working at both to ensure the fires are contained.
Ken Cooper says today is an important day to get on top of these fires.
“With the wind picking up again tomorrow, we know we have to make the most of today.
“I would like to reiterate to everyone the message of checking your previous outdoor fires ahead of tomorrow to ensure they are fully extinguished and to light no new outdoor fires.”
There is a large amount of smoke in the area, so the nearby residents, particularly those in Porangahau, are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid going into the smoke where possible.
Those impacted by the smoke can call their GP or HealthLine on 0800 611 116.
Evacuations are not anticipated on Wednesday, but people in the area should remain prepared with a go-bag in case conditions change.
Hawke’s Bay now has a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks in place until 8am on 27 October.
Ken Cooper says Fire and Emergency is concerned about the fire risk on the east coast of both islands as high winds combine with warm temperatures and low humidity, creating very high fire risk.
“We’re asking people to not light any new outdoor fires until after Labour Day, and to keep checking on their previous burns to ensure they are fully extinguished and not at risk of reignition.
“In these conditions, it will be very difficult for us to control any fires that get out of control.
“Go to checkitsalright.nz to find out about restrictions in place in your area.”
Fire bans
A ban on all open air fires and fireworks is in place in the following Fire and Emergency Districts from midday today until 8am on Monday 27 October:
  • Hawke’s Bay
  • Wellington, including Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa
  • Marlborough
  • Canterbury
  • Mid South Canterbury
The community can help by refraining from letting off fireworks as part of Diwali celebrations while the fireworks ban is in place. People planning outdoor activities over the long weekend should remember that all campfires and bonfires are also prohibited, Ken Cooper says.
Preparation for Thursday
MetService have issued many severe weather warnings for wind and rain across the South Island and much of the North Island.
In preparation for this, people can take the following precautions:
  • Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.
    • If you have a trampoline, turn it upsidedown to minimise surface area exposed to win.
  • Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.
During and after the storm, the following precauations should be taken:
  • Treat all fallen power lines as live.
  • If the power goes off at your property, turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on there will be no risk from unattended cooking, items left close to heaters etc.
  • Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.
  • If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.
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Weather News – MetService issues Red Warning for Canterbury and Wellington

Source: MetService

Covering period of Wednesday 22nd – Thursday 23rd October
At 9:59am MetService escalated the Severe Weather Warnings in Canterbury, including Christchurch, Wellington, and South Wairarapa to Red Warnings for Damaging Winds in consultation with the respective regional councils.

All MetService warnings have the potential for impacts, but Red Warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events where significant impact and disruption is expected.

The escalation to a Red Warning comes as impacts were already felt on Tuesday with the first of two significant weather systems anticipated this week, with Thursday looking more intense and more widespread.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Thursday has a similar but stronger flavour. While some areas may have escaped the impacts earlier in the week, Thursday’s winds are expected to be more widespread and could affect places that don’t often see strong winds.”

These destructive winds can cause threat to life from flying items and falling trees, widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply. Northwesterly wind speeds of 150 km/h are possible for exposed parts of Canterbury High Country, 140 km/h for Wellington and Wairarapa, and 130 km/h for the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.

“The public are advised to take the opportunity today (Wednesday) to prepare for the significant and damaging winds on Thursday. Secure any loose items, make sure batteries are charged. Once it kicks off on Thursday, stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for power and communication outages,” Makgabutlane advises.

“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

This is the fourth round of Red Warnings MetService has issued this year, and it’s the 19th Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019.

It’s not just Canterbury and Wellington which are lined up for severe weather. Orange Strong Wind Warnings are in place for the rest of the South Island, including Marlborough and the Kaikōura Coast, which have a high chance of upgrade to Red. The West Coast Region, as well as Tasman and Nelson are under Yellow Watches.

Additionally, heavy rain spreads up the South Island, including places that were impacted on Tuesday. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for the ranges of Westland, the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, as well as Fiordland. Further impacts such as slips, surface flooding, difficult driving conditions and travel disruptions are likely. This time around, the rain will move through quicker but will also be more intense and rivers are likely to respond faster than on Tuesday. Coastal Westland, Grey, Buller, Tasman, Nelson and the Nelson Lakes National Park are all under a Watch for Heavy Rain.

In the North Island, Orange Wind Warnings are in place for the remainder of Wairarapa and the Tararua District. Hawke’s Bay is under a Yellow Watch as northwest winds may approach severe gale on Thursday, along with the dry conditions and warm temperatures. The Tararua Range is also under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning. Details about all of these are illustrated in more detail on our webpage; https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Once Thursday is done, many people will be looking ahead to Labour Day weekend. For those traveling, be aware that Monday sees another potentially disruptive weather system which may impact travel.

Keep up to date with weather and warnings via metservice.com or our free MetService weather app.

MetService also now provides push notifications for Red Severe Weather Warnings via our app.  More information can be found here about enabling them: https://about.metservice.com/nz-weather-app-push-notifications

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Fire Safety – Ban on open fires and fireworks in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay regions

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Districts have enforced a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks from midday today until 8am on Monday 27 October.
It comes as winds are forecast to exceed 100km/hr in many places, with high temperatures and low humidity creating very high fire risk conditions.
Hawke’s Bay has already seen significant fires from the windy conditions on Tuesday, while firefighters were stretched across the Wellington region, including the Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast, responding to weather-related callouts.
The prohibition means no new outdoor fires can be lit. People must also check their previous burns for signs of reignition.
Hawke’s Bay Community Risk Manager Nigel Hall says they need the public’s help to ease the load on their firefighters.
“Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to go and check today that it is completely out,” he says.
“If you see any sign of heat or smoke, please act immediately to fully wet down the site. If this is not possible, call 111 so that firefighters can assist.”
Wellington Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says the community can also help by refraining from letting off fireworks as part of Diwali celebrations while the fireworks ban is in place.
“People planning outdoor activities over the long weekend should remember that all campfires and bonfires are also prohibited,” he says.
The prohibitions are in addition to the ones in place in Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury for the same time period.