9 March 2026
John Luke
[FYI request #33913 email]
Ref: OIA-2025/26-0545
Tēnā koe John,
Official Information Act request relating to the school lunch programme
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), which
was received by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) on 1 March
2026. You requested:
“I noted- https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360937742/government-drops-te-reo-maori-
name-school-lunches-programmeGovernment drops te reo Māori name of school
lunches programme" According to Cabinet papers obtained by Newstalk ZB under the
Official Information Act (OIA), the decision to remove the name “Ka Ora, Ka Ako” was
made last October." Can I please request the same information you have sent to the
Newstalk ZB regarding this topic- "Government drops te reo Māori name of school
lunches programme.”
We have interpreted your request for Cabinet papers for the Education portfolio, which relate
to Healthy School Lunches. We note in your request that you are seeking
the same
information you have sent to the Newstalk ZB regarding this topic. The Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) has no record of responding to a request received under
the Act from Newstalk ZB releasing Cabinet papers relating to this topic.
DPMC holds all Cabinet and Cabinet Committee papers and Minutes as Cabinet Office is a
business unit within DPMC. However, DPMC transfers requests for Cabinet papers to the
relevant portfolio Minister or for previous governments to the relevant government agency as
they are in the best position to assess them for release under the Act. They are transferred
under section 14(b)(i ) of the Act on the basis that the information being more closely
connected to the Minister’s or agency’s functions. This is also set out in para 8.5 of the
Cabinet Manual, which can be found on DPMC's website at:
www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-
business-units/cabinet-office/supporting-work-cabinet/cabinet-manual
I believe the information you have requested is more closely connected to the functions of
the Associate Minister of Education, Hon David Seymour. Accordingly, I have decided to
transfer your request to Minister Seymour under section 14(b)(i ) of the Act.
5144469
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
Minister Seymour has the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this transfer to
make a decision on your request.
Nākū noa, nā,
Jenna Hansen
Manager, Accountability and Ministerial Services
5144469
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
