Principal calls on Maharey to ban unhealthy food in all Govt. buildings

- Hora Hora Primary School -

Whangarei principal Pat Newman is calling on Education Minister Steve Maharey to put his money where his mouth is, and ban unhealthy food from all Government buildings. His call comes after Maharey’s announcement that schools will be prohibited from selling unhealthy food in schools.

Newman, a former president of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation and current president of the Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association, says it is hypocritical of the Government if they do not ban unhealthy food from their buildings.

“I call on Maharey and all politicians to lead by example,” says Newman. “If they want us to make these changes in our schools, they should make them in their own buildings too. That means they should be making it illegal to sell unhealthy food on Parliaments premises, or within the confines of their electorate buildings. They should also be forced to ban all alcohol sales in those areas, as surely alcohol counts as an unhealthy substance. I’d like to see Maharey try that at Bellamy’s.”

Newman says despite comments to the contrary from Maharey, the new guidelines will effectively ban sausage sizzles, hangis and school galas. “We will no longer be allowed to sell any unhealthy food on our school premises. Political parties shouldn’t be allowed to have those events either - if it’s good enough for us, then it’s good enough for politicians too.”

Newman says this is yet another example of the PC brigade taking over, and suggests that politicians who lose their jobs in next elections should consider a new career, as ‘Food Police’ officers in schools. “That’s how ridiculous this debate has become. It’s political correctness gone mad.”

Newman believes this latest change demonstrates the low level of trust that the Government has in New Zealand schools. “There are a lot of schools that are well and truly on the breadline, and the Government is doing nothing to support them. They would do better to look at how schools can afford to run with their lack of funds, than waste time and taxpayer money on this ridiculous new initiative.”

-ENDS-

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