Wairoa schools successfully serve fresh, healthy lunches

Students at Wairoa schools are enjoying fresh, healthy lunches. Tīaho Primary employs a chef to prepare meals on-site, while Wairoa Primary receives lunches from Rocket Cafe. Both schools report positive feedback from students. Tīaho Primary operates under the Ministry of Education's model, allowing schools to choose between internal or external meal supply. Currently, 270 schools in New Zealand prepare meals internally, while 61 use an iwi/hapū model. Tīaho Primary upgraded its canteen to a commercial kitchen to support this initiative. The investment has led to increased student satisfaction with their lunches, contrasting with previous practices in nearby Nūhaka.