Labour's education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
Labour wants an inquiry by the Auditor General into the school lunch programme to go further, and has written to the watchdog requesting it consider things like the cost burden on schools.
The Auditor-General's office announced plans earlier this month for an inquiry into the school lunch programme that has drawn criticism since its revamp.
It will cover Ministry of Education planning, procurement and contract implementation under David Seymour's alternative model. Seymour at the time welcomed the inquiry.
"I actually would like to offer [the Auditor-General] some of the lunches so he can audit them with his mouth, and I think what he's going to find is a programme that has overcome some initial hurdles to deliver great value, very good lunches at half the price of Labour's scheme," he said.
Minister David Seymour eating lunch at the launch of the revamped school lunch programme. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Labour's education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said the investigation should include whether providers are meeting agreed standards, the programme's value for money and how complaints are being managed and standards enforced.
She said she's heard from schools that have forked out hundreds of dollars without being reimbursed by the government.
"I'm hearing from schools that have had to fork out hundreds of dollars without any reimbursement because of David Seymour's botch-ups, and there are many cases of food waste as poor quality lunches go uneaten."
She said it's a struggle to get straight answers out of Erica Stanford and Seymour about why the programme has been "so chaotic" and what they're "actually doing to respond."
"We welcome the Auditor-General's inquiry into the ongoing issues with the programme and look forward to seeing these issues addressed," Prime said.
In a statement, Seymour said "Labour can save itself the trouble of an investigation into value for money".
"If Labour is aware of any concerns around reimbursement, they should do the responsible thing and pass them on directly so they can be addressed. However, the Ministry of Education has assured me that it's all under control.
"Any political party serious about New Zealand's future should welcome an improved programme that delivers more, for less. Especially at a time when fiscal responsibility is essential."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
