Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour is facing renewed scrutiny over the Government’s school lunch programme, regulatory reforms and wider efforts to reshape the public sector as the Coalition Government continues its programme of economic and legislative change.
The questions come after a critical report from the Auditor-General identified significant shortcomings in the Government’s revised Healthy School Lunches Programme, alongside the introduction of the new Regulatory Standards Act and ongoing pressure on households facing rising living costs.
The Auditor-General has identified concerns with the management of the Government’s school lunch programme, including procurement processes, supplier performance, food quality and compliance with nutrition standards.
Ministry of Education monitoring found that only around half of the lunches assessed during 2025 met the required nutritional standards, while researchers have also raised concerns about meal quality, food waste and whether children are receiving sufficient nutrition.
Minister Seymour, the Auditor-General has found problems with how the school lunch programme was managed, including concerns about procurement, supplier performance, food quality and nutrition standards. Given reports that some lunches are not meeting children’s nutritional needs and that waste remains high, do you accept the changes have affected the programme’s effectiveness, and will you consider restoring funding to ensure students receive healthy, high-quality school lunches?
The Government has also introduced the Regulatory Standards Act, replacing Regulatory Impact Statements with Regulatory Analysis Summaries for ministers considering new legislation and regulatory changes.
Supporters say the reforms will improve the quality of regulation by focusing more closely on economic impacts, regulatory efficiency and accountability. Critics, however, argue the changes risk reducing consideration of wider social, environmental and equity impacts, particularly for Māori, disabled people and other vulnerable communities.
Minister Seymour, the Regulatory Standards Act has now come into force, replacing Regulatory Impact Statements with Regulatory Analysis Summaries for ministers considering new laws and regulations. Critics argue this could reduce scrutiny of social impacts, including effects on vulnerable communities. How do you respond to concerns that ministers may receive less comprehensive advice when making important policy decisions?
Throughout its time in Government, ACT has advocated for reducing public spending, streamlining regulation and improving efficiency across government agencies.
Supporters argue these reforms will reduce bureaucracy and deliver better value for taxpayers. Opponents say there is a risk that savings achieved through spending reductions could affect the quality and accessibility of frontline public services.
Minister Seymour, ACT has consistently argued for reducing government spending and improving efficiency across the public sector. How do you balance the drive for cost savings with ensuring essential social programmes continue to deliver positive outcomes for New Zealanders who need support most?
Despite easing inflation, many New Zealand households continue to experience pressure from high housing costs, food prices, insurance premiums and everyday expenses.
The Government has promoted tax relief, regulatory reform and economic growth as key tools for improving household finances and lifting productivity.
Minister Seymour, many families continue to feel pressure from housing, food and everyday living costs. What specific reforms do you believe will make the biggest difference to household budgets over the next 12 months, and how will success be measured?
As the Coalition Government approaches the next election, its ability to demonstrate that its reform programme is improving both economic performance and everyday outcomes for New Zealanders is expected to remain a central issue in the political debate.
#RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #DavidSeymour #ACTParty #SchoolLunches #RegulatoryStandardsAct #CostOfLiving #NZPolitics #PublicPolicy #Government #Education #Economy #Election2026 #Aotearoa #SEO
