Harawira's 'feed the kids' bill gets another chance

Hone Harawira. Photo / NZ Herald

Mana leader Hone Harawira's "Feed the Kids" bill will get another chance in Parliament despite his absence.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei revealed today she had picked up Mr Harawira's private member's bill, which would provide state-funded meals in all decile 1 and 2 schools.

Mrs Turei urged all parties to "put politics aside" and vote for the Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill so all hungry children were fed.

She said Prime Minister John Key had admitted about 15 per cent of children did not eat breakfast.

"This Bill will ensure those kids, who are currently going without, are fed."

The Greens co-leader said if the bill went to a select committee a full debate on the issue could take place.

The bill's first reading was repeatedly delayed last term because it did not have the numbers to pass. At the close of Parliament, it was halfway through the first reading.

Mr Harawira failed to return to Parliament after losing his Te Tai Tokerau seat.

Mr Key has said child poverty will be a Government priority this term, but he does not support state-sponsored breakfasts and lunches.

National introduced the Kickstart programme last year, a partnership with Fonterra and Sanitarium to provide breakfasts for all schools who choose to opt in to the scheme.

Mrs Turei said thousands of children were still missing out on meals and schools needed consistent funding.

Labour MP David Shearer also has a private member's bill in the ballot which would allow decile 1 to 3 schools to become eligible for assistance in providing free breakfasts and lunches.