
Phil Palfrey: Kaitao Intermediate Principal on the school lunch programme
About this episode
The head of a Rotorua intermediate school says more often than not school lunches are delivered looking unappetising.
A report from the Auditor-General found only half of the meals complied with nutritional standards, and criticises the scheme's rollout.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says some of the meals with fewer vegetables were more popular with students, and the Government saved $130 million last year.
Kaitao Intermediate principal Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge he knows the students who aren't eating the meals are hungry.
He says some have resorted to buying food from the local shop on their way to school – a very unhealthy way to start the day.
Palfrey says sometimes there are meals that are okay, but some are horrible.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Early Edition with Ryan Bridge publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Kevin Putt: Former Springbok previews the final Greatest Rivalry test between th...
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Leon Panetta: Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director on the US-Iran war
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert on an MSD review which found more than...
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2026
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge