School lunches – Key vs data

Key claimed that the number of hungry kids in schools was limited to “the odd one or two”. Everyone knew it was nonsense. Now a survey by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation indicates the true extent of the problem.

Costly government

This is the true irony of National governments. Their entire platform is one of “fiscal responsibility” and “good economic management” yet time and time again they spend money the way I did when I was a teenager: false economies and short-term wish fulfilment.

Shame shame shame

Last night in Parliament National voted down Harawira / Turei’s Feed the Kids Bill, David Shearer’s Food in Schools Bill, and Phil Twyford’s Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill.

Pick up the ball

In the spirit of new badly needed Left Unity. The Left opposition needs to start setting the agenda. First “feed the kids” needs to be picked up. Second the corporate welfare for Solid Energy needs a lot of scrutiny. So does the the state funding of oil exploration.

Better than nothing

The government’s expansion of the KickStart breakfast programme is better than nothing – but that’s about all you can say about it.

Priorities: $9.5 Million over 5 years to feed hungry kids – but in 2012 just 4 private schools got $10.9 Million.

Budget: corporate “charity” not the solution to Feeding the Kids

Thursday’s budget is likely to make businesses central to blunting the edge of child poverty.  Campbell Live is concerned about the marginalisation of skilled community organisations.  Harawira has delayed the reading of his Feed the Kids Bill & argues for the state to play a stronger role.

Hone in the House

Mana has established a clear identity, as shown in Hone’s adjournment speech.  Based in practice and activism. For all people, especially those on low incomes.  A voice for Maori, Pasifika people and children. The Maori Party’s future is in question. What’s the future for Mana and Hone?