Lunchbox check to curb obesity not on cards
25 October 2006
The Education Review Office (ERO) says it will not be checking pupils' lunchboxes in an attempt to address childhood obesity rates but plans to encourage exercise classes and nutrition.
ERO chief review officer Karen Sewell made the comments during an education and science select committee today.
Quake safe your house nowNational MP Jacqui Dean asked Ms Sewell how ERO was evaluating the effect childhood obesity had on learning.
Ms Sewell said the primary role of schools was education but that was "quite a broad thing".
"At the moment where there are chunks of a child's life that is missing then schools do have to follow that up."
Ms Sewell said she would not expect ERO to check lunch boxes.
The real answer could be found with physical education classes and teaching children healthy eating habits, she said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Government announced a $67 million four-year campaign aimed at lifting physical activity and slashing New Zealand's growing obesity rates – targeting schools in particular – last month.
The campaign aimed to improve nutrition in schools and early childhood centres and more school, internet and television promotion of healthy food.
Education Minister Steve Maharey said at the time of the launch schools would be strongly encouraged to get rid of poor-quality food from their tuck shops.
The policy would not be policed other than by ERO.
Failure to meet the new standards would result in a black mark for the school on ERO reports, Mr Maharey said.
Childhood obesity fight in New Zealand