Articles tagged with Taxpayers

New School Lunch Programme to Provide Affordable Nutritious Meals to 242,000 Students Daily from 2026

1 month ago | 193 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a new school lunch program starting in Term 1 of 2026, providing affordable, nutritious lunches to around 242,000 students daily in contributing primary schools. Ten suppliers have been contracted to deliver lunches to 188 schools, catering to standard and special diets with sustainable packaging and efficient ordering systems. The program aims to save taxpayers $145 million in 2026 by utilizing a regional approach, offering meals at an average cost of $3.46 per lunch without requiring additional funding.

Tags: David Seymour school lunch programme suppliers nutritious meals primary schools affordable taxpayers funding students

New Zealand Government Secures Guangzhou Shipyard for Two Ferry Builds

2 months ago | 229 views

The Government has selected Guangzhou Shipyard International to build two new ferries through Ferry Holdings Limited. Rail Minister Winston Peters highlighted GSI's expertise and capabilities as a leading shipbuilding enterprise in Southern China. Negotiations are ongoing, with details to be disclosed upon completion, including agreements with CentrePort Limited and Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited, aiming for completion in 2029 with cost-effective solutions to benefit New Zealand taxpayers.

Tags: Government Ferry Holdings Limited Guangzhou Shipyard International Rail Minister Winston Peters GSI New Zealand taxpayers ferry replacement programme CentrePort Limited Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited project iReX

Public Service Amendment Bill: Enhancing Efficiency and Accountability for Taxpayers

4 months ago | 907 views

Legislation for public service overhaul emphasizing value for taxpayers has passed first reading, led by Public Service Minister Judith Collins. The Public Service Amendment Bill aims to enhance public service performance by clarifying its purpose and chief executives' responsibilities. The bill reinforces merit-based appointments, increases chief executives' accountability, and ensures a competitive selection process, maintaining political neutrality and professional standards for better taxpayer outcomes.

Tags: Legislation public service value for money taxpayers Judith Collins performance chief executives accountability political neutrality

Healthy School Lunch Programme: Positive Feedback Soars, Complaints Plummet, Taxpayer Savings of $130 Million

5 months ago | 1387 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased to see the Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu has received positive feedback from three quarters of students, and complaints have fallen by 92 per cent, while at the same time taxpayers are saving over $130 million. “The menu for Term 3 is being tested with students across the lower North Island. The result is 73 per cent positive feedback.

Tags: David Seymour Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu students taxpayers meals feedback schools Ministry savings

Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 Success: 73% Positive Feedback & $130M Taxpayer Savings

5 months ago | 1538 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour is pleased to see the Healthy School Lunch Programme Term 3 menu has received positive feedback from three quarters of students, and complaints have fallen by 92 per cent, while at the same time taxpayers are saving over $130 million. “The menu for Term 3 is being tested with students across the lower North Island. The result is 73 per cent positive feedback.

Tags: David Seymour Healthy School Lunch Programme students taxpayers meals feedback schools menu Term 3 savings