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Health – Experts urge fix as Government expands failing lunch scheme to primary schools

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Underprivileged primary school children are about to suffer the same poor service as their intermediate and secondary school peers, with the Government’s announcement today that primary schools are transitioning to the cut price, revised Ka Ora Ka Ako – Healthy School Lunches programme.
The revised version of the school lunch programme, rolled out to secondary and full primary schools in January 2025, saw the Government partner with national consortium the School Lunch Collective to achieve drastic reductions in the programme cost. The new version of the programme is being plagued by a multitude of problems, including delivery of unsafe and unpalatable food, massive wastage of uneaten meals and packaging, and the nutritional quality of the lunches plummeting.
Nutrition experts found the government-funded school lunches are failing nutrition standards. The new lunches now provide only about half the energy recommended for a school lunch. Despite all providers being contractually obliged to meet the Ministry of Education’s Nutrition Standards, none of the 13 meals provided by School Lunch Collective that were examined by nutrition experts met them. This means the lunches are no longer healthy – despite the programme being named the Healthy School Lunches programme.
This is hardly surprising, given the School Lunch Collective members, Libelle and Compass, were failing to consistently deliver good quality lunches under the previous funding model, when they were receiving nearly three times the funding per lunch.
“It’s not a cost saving if it’s not delivering the nutrition our most disadvantaged children need to succeed at school. Under the previous model, schools could choose how they provided lunches to their tamariki, with many walking away from Compass and Libelle to either do it themselves or work with local community businesses. Tamariki got better food for less cost. Our growing teenagers are now getting less to eat and being told to be grateful for it”, says Professor Lisa Te Morenga, Health Coalition co-chair and Massey University researcher.
“This Government has prioritised productivity, but hungry, undernourished children cannot learn effectively nor be productive. More than a quarter of children in Aotearoa face poverty and food insecurity – this programme is designed to help those kids. These children are our future workforce; we need to invest in them”, says Professor Te Morenga.
“I'm extremely angry and disappointed this government continues to ignore our voices and our evidence of the success of locally provided lunches. Instead, they want to remove what's working to save a few dollars – at the expense of our tamariki. We need to be investing in our tamariki and their future, says Seletute Mila, Tumuaki/Principal of Arakura School.
“The changes to Ka Ora, Ka Ako have set back the progress schools were making in helping New Zealand’s disadvantaged children. The programme must be fixed now- by being appropriately valued for the potential it has to lift our most disadvantaged children out of poverty and to lead healthy, productive lives. This benefits us all. We are calling for this current mean and draconian model to be abandoned. Raise the funding and give communities the flexibility to provide the best nutritious food they can for their tamariki,” says Professor Te Morenga.
More information
Reports from schools across Aotearoa reveal serious failures in the revised programme, including:
  • Waste and inefficiency: Unappealing meals are going uneaten, and previous systems to redistribute food to students or charities are no longer happening.
  • Excess rubbish: The new system generates more landfill waste than before.
  • Poor nutrition: The lack of fruit likely means lower fibre intake.
  • Lack of transparency: Schools and families don’t know the actual nutritional value of meals.
  • Halal concerns: No clear process ensures meals meet halal dietary needs.
  • Late or missing deliveries: Many schools report meals not arriving on time.
  • Repetitive and insufficient portions: Meals lack variety and are often too small.
  • No direct communication: Schools can no longer work directly with suppliers.
  • No student feedback: Tamariki have no way to voice concerns about their meals. 
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Maritime News – High-seas rescue results in three people being safely plucked from a life raft after abandoning their vessel hundreds of nautical miles north of New Zealand

Source: Maritime NZ

Three people are now safely on-board a merchant ship, after the launch they suffered mechanical issues and had to be abandoned.

At about 2.30 PM, 17 July Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre was notified that the launch had encountered trouble south of the Kermadec Islands, it was enroute to Tonga from New Zealand.

The incident occurred about 350 nautical miles north-east of New Zealand.

Shortly after a MAYDAY was declared and the crew made the decision to get into a life raft, abandoning their vessel.

Search and Rescue Officer at RCCNZ Taylor Monaghan, says this was a high stakes search and rescue operation.

“After getting their emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) coordinates following its activation, it was clear they were a long way from help.

“A MAYDAY call was then broadcast by the Maritime Operations Centre to vessels within a 200NM area,” Taylor Monaghan says.

It was picked up by a merchant oil tanker, the only vessel in the area, which accepted the request to help and re-routed to the location of the distress signal. While RCCNZ got in touch with the New Zealand Defence Force to request air assistance.

“The NZDF P8 played a critical role in this rescue.

“It was able to get quickly to the life raft and assist with giving directions and support to the master of the merchant vessel.

“This was done at night, in trying conditions as well,” Taylor Monaghan says.

 When abandoning their launch for the life raft, the crew ensured they took the necessary survival equipment.

“They took life jackets, a grab bag and other essential supplies. They gave themselves the best chance of survival, Taylor Monaghan says.

Six hours after the initial request for assistance, the NZDF P8 arrived on scene, its crew monitored the life raft and coordinated with the merchant oil tanker that was steaming to render assistance.

“In the meantime, the crew of the merchant vessel developed a rescue plan.

“Getting on-board a large vessel on the open ocean from a life raft is not an easy task.

“The tanker needed to use multiple ladders to have enough length to reach the life raft, as well carefully manoeuvring alongside the much smaller life raft” Taylor Monaghan says.

At about 11 PM New Zealand time, RCCNZ was notified the crew had successfully been picked up by the merchant ship.

RCCNZ General Manager, Justin Allan was monitored the progress of the search, and says it was a big relief when the rescue was confirmed.

“I am immensely proud of the work of the search and rescue officers involved, as well as the crews of the NZDF P8 and the merchant oil tanker. This was a complex rescue, and very good result to get the three safely off the life raft and onto the merchant vessel,” he says.

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Education – Campaign launched to boost school board participation

Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – the New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) has officially launched its national campaign, Get on Board 2025, to mobilise participation in the upcoming triennial school board elections.
The campaign aims to increase nominations and voter turnout for school boards (formerly boards of trustees) across Aotearoa, encouraging Kiwis to step forward and help shape the future of their local schools.

Created in-house,  Get on Board 2025 builds on previous campaigns and brings a fresh new look, modernised resources and a digital-first approach designed to reach more prospective board members than ever before.
“School boards play a critical role in our education system. They make decisions that affect students, teachers and whānau across the country,” says NZSBA President Meredith Kennett.
“This campaign is about making sure all New Zealanders understand the value of community participation in their children’s education – and feel empowered to take part.”
With updated messaging, vibrant visuals and a strong focus on video storytelling and social media, the 2025 campaign is designed to highlight the value of school board service and the impact local governance has on student success.

Key features of the Get on Board 2025 campaign include:

  • A new campaign identity and refreshed resources for schools and boards, including digital and print-ready assets.
  • In collaboration with Foxton-based animator Fraser Munro, a promotional video (also translated into te reo Māori).
  • A redeveloped website – schoolboardelections.org.nz – built by our digital partner Somar featuring improved accessibility, clearer content and easier navigation for prospective candidates and voters.
  • Advertising across print, radio and digital (as well as TV via Whakaata Māori).
  • It sits alongside Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group’s Whakapapa Decisions campaign to increase Māori participation in the elections.
The triennial elections are scheduled for September 2025. Nominations for most schools are now open, and NZSBA encourages everyone who is passionate about their school community to consider standing or nominating someone they know.

Visit www.schoolboardelections.org.nz for more information and join one of our community webinars or in-person sessions to see what it’s all about.
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Trade – Settlement of Canada dispute welcomed by DCANZ

Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

Dairy exporters will benefit from the settlement of New Zealand’s CPTPP quota dispute with Canada, as announced by the Government today.
The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) welcomes the news and congratulates the Government for settling the long-running issue that has been costing New Zealand because of quotas that couldn’t be fully used. DCANZ also acknowledges the work of the previous Government in initiating the dispute process.
The heart of the issue has been Canada limiting the use of the 16 small quotas that facilitate CPTPP dairy access by allocating the majority of import licenses to its own processors, which mostly don't use them. This practice, along with quota licence hand-back-and-reallocation happening late in the quota year and no penalties for under-use, has limited other importers with a stronger interest in New Zealand products from using the agreed access. Other administrative processes have also added cost and slowed trade when it does occur.
In 2023, a panel of trade law experts ruled that Canada’s approach did not comply with the CPTPP agreement requirements to administer the quotas in a manner that provides importers the opportunity to utilise the volumes fully.New Zealand was forced to trigger the mandatory negotiations allowed for under the CPTPP’s rules when Canada didn't comply with this ruling. While not achieving the preferred immediate move to a simpler on-demand system so that quota licences only go to importers who want to use them, DCANZ agrees that adequate improvements have been made to settle the dispute.
DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther says she looks forward to New Zealand exporters enjoying an easier time trading into the 16 CPTPP dairy tariff rate quotas from 1 January 2026.
“The improved administrative provision that will result from this agreement will make the quotas commercially more usable and valuable for our exporters.
“Under the agreement, Canada will bring forward the dates for return and reallocation of quota licences that the initial recipients will not use and introduce penalties for recipients who either do not use their allocation or transfer it on to importers who want to use it.
“This has been a long time coming and we believe it will make a positive difference.
“We will be watching implementation closely. Significantly, if those changes don’t work, there is also provision that quota allocation could move to our first preference of an on-demand system.”
In the meantime, Crewther says DCANZ remains concerned that Canadian subsidised exports are continuing to harm New Zealand exporters’ interests in global markets for dairy protein products.
“Canada needs to be held equally to account for this, via the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“Earlier this year, DCANZ joined United States and Australian dairy industry representatives in calling for government action to stop Canada from dumping artificially low-priced dairy protein exports on world markets.
“Its milk pricing mechanisms are enabling their dairy processors to access milk proteins at below the cost of production and so distort its export of a range of products.
“This practice is at odds with Canada’s international trade obligations and must be addressed as a matter of urgency under the WTO’s rules.”
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Energy Sector – New rules unlock network connection barriers to support electrification

Source: Electricity Authority

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is making it easier and faster to connect to the electricity network so New Zealand can electrify faster.
The changes are the first steps in the Authority’s work to make it easier and more efficient for businesses, developers and other consumers to get access to the electricity network so communities and the economy can benefit.
The Authority consulted on a package of changes late last year, with a focus on reducing the time and cost to connect infrastructure such as public EV charging stations, manufacturing, and solar farms.
Authority General Manager Networks and System Change Tim Sparks says standardised rules about how the 29 lines companies process connection applications and how they develop and structure pricing for new and upgraded connections are vital to getting more electricity into the network and reducing costs.
“Inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the application processes and pricing methodologies across New Zealand’s 29 lines companies can add unnecessary time and cost to projects, particularly for those who want to operate in multiple regions,” Sparks said. “The changes we’ve announced today will help address these issues and unlock more of the barriers to electrification.
“Under the new rules, lines companies must offer the least-cost, technically acceptable solution,” Sparks said. “Any extra costs to enhance the connection – for example running the connection underground – will be paid for by whoever requested it. This ensures people aren’t paying for other network costs they didn’t ask for.”
The Authority’s changes include introducing processes for larger users wanting to connect – such as an EV charge point operator or a public transport operator electrifying its fleet – including setting timeframes for decisions. To date, large energy users haven’t had baseline protections because the rules have only applied to electricity generators directly connecting to the network. Providing a clear and consistent process will increase transparency and certainty for those needing to connect and make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
“We have been working with the Commerce Commission and industry on these improvements, which we believe will increase transparency and consistency and address some known issues. Overall, we expect both lines companies and those needing to connect will benefit from more efficient connection processes. All New Zealanders will benefit over time through increased choice and value as more services and infrastructure come online sooner.”
The Authority is introducing eight new requirements to improve the network connection application process and four new connection pricing requirements. The Authority is further considering two of the rule changes originally proposed in last year’s consultation papers to ensure they fully and effectively address the issues they are intended to resolve. They are:
– the ‘reliance limit’, which aimed to prevent already high-upfront charges from increasing further
– creating an obligation for distributors to connect all applications that meet certain criteria.
The Authority expects to further consult on these two further potential changes before the end of the year.
The Authority is now seeking feedback on the draft wording of the new connection pricing rules to ensure it accurately reflects the decisions made. The technical consultation on the draft wording of the new rules for connection application processes will open in August.
Most of the requirements for new connection pricing methodologies come into effect on 1 April 2026 to align with any other distribution pricing changes, as well as with the Commerce Commission processes. The new requirements for the connection application processes come into effect in the second half of 2026, allowing 12 months after the changes have been gazetted. The exception is the application process for large consumers, which will come into effect 18 months after being gazetted, as this involves entirely new processes that need to be developed.
For more information:
Notes:The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown Entity with the main statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers. The additional objective of the Authority is to protect the interests of domestic consumers and small business consumers in relation to the supply of electricity to those consumers.
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Trade – Canada-NZ dairy dispute: A win for exporters

Source: BusinessNZ

ExportNZ is pleased to see a years-long dairy dispute between Canada and New Zealand resolved, unlocking higher export value for Kiwi business.
Executive Director Josh Tan says the outcome is a win for New Zealand dairy exporters, and a win for the rules-based trading system.
“It’s essential that our trade agreements function as they were agreed to – particularly in the current global trade context. Likewise, our trade partners should ensure they are playing by the rules.
“Canada remains a valuable trade partner to New Zealand. In agreeing to meet its obligations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Canada has guaranteed better market access for Kiwi exporters and we commend them for honouring this agreed outcome.
“ExportNZ acknowledges the Minister for Trade and Investment and our New Zealand officials, for their persistent effort to reach the right outcome under the CPTPP agreement.”
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Law and Research – Study slams Family Court’s reliance on ‘junk’ research – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The Family Court is basing decisions on 'junk' evidence and putting children's futures at risk, according to a new journal article.

You might imagine the expert evidence heard in the Family Court, such as what's provided by court psychologists, would stand up to scrutiny… not so, according to a scathing new journal article.

The study suggests judges, lawyers and psychologists in New Zealand's Family Court are routinely accepting 'junk' evidence to support critical decisions about children's lives.

University of Auckland law scholar Associate Professor Carrie Leonetti reviewed 29 Family Court judgements under the New Zealand Care of Children Act in which court professionals claimed to be citing academic research to support their decisions. Her investigation finds they frequently cited material that was not academic research, instead relying on online content, unpublished handouts, and presentations from conferences or legal training sessions.

“Clinical psychologists, often working without specialised forensic training, are presenting evidence that would not withstand academic scrutiny,” she says.

“I'm shocked at how judges never go … 'but but but'… and ask some questions. We need to define what's real, what isn't, what's reliable, and what's not.”

New Zealand's Evidence Act 2006 and the High Court Rules require expert witnesses to base their recommendations on evidence that's within their area of expertise and generally accepted within a scientific field and specify the literature they rely on. Yet Leonetti's paper details breaches of these requirements – including experts opining outside their area of expertise, misrepresenting research, and failing to qualify sweeping claims.

Examples include statements like “almost all disclosures of sexual abuse by children whose parents have separated are false” or “studies show that all children are better off in shared care” – broad claims Leonetti says are based on misrepresented or misunderstood literature.

“The Court's reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust.”

Associate Professor Carrie LeonettiAuckland Law School

Leonetti's paper, published in the Indiana Health Law Review, says some professionals referenced controversial or discredited theories while omitting landmark studies like research into Adverse Childhood Experiences, which shows the long-term traumatic impact of exposure to family violence in childhood.

She says Family Court judges, lawyers, and psychologists frequently misrepresent or misuse academic literature, dismissing evidence they disagree with and cherry-picking non-peer-reviewed material to support pre-existing views.

The paper also identifies what Leonetti dubs “Family Court favourites” – a small number of obscure authors and articles cited disproportionately by court professionals, regardless of their academic significance.

“The Court's reliance on a small, fringe collection of writings from conferences, trainings, and legal journals rather than peer-reviewed science publications is dangerous and unjust.”

She also highlights the high cost of accessing peer-reviewed scientific publications and the rise of “predatory” academic journals.

“Since the 2000s, thousands of online journals with little to no peer review have emerged, making it difficult for non-experts to identify scientifically valid research.”

This erosion of the meaning of academic publication, says Leonetti, has made it harder for non-experts, such as judges, lawyers, and court psychologists, to “separate the wheat from the chaff when deciding which literature warrants consideration and which is the functional equivalent of self-publication.

“These courts are essentially making life-changing decisions about children's futures based on what amounts to professional folklore rather than scientific evidence.”

The study recomm

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Food prices increase 4.6 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: June 2025