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External model suppliers#
Lunches are prepared by an approved external supplier and delivered to the participating schools and kura.
Services agreements#
The required service levels for external suppliers are set out in their services agreement.
This includes the governance and performance framework to ensure transparency and continuous improvement, including:
- monthly performance reviews that assess service delivery against agreed metrics such as delivery timeliness (DIFOT), food quality, nutrition compliance, and stakeholder feedback
- quarterly scorecard reports, including financial, operational, stakeholder, and innovation metrics.
- an annual programme evaluation which is a strategic review of outcomes, compliance, and improvement initiatives
- risk and compliance audits, conducted annually or as required, focusing on food safety, health and safety, and legal obligations.
Example external supplier services agreements can be found here.
External supplier sustainability KPIs#
Guidance on meeting the sustainability waste to landfill key performance indicators (KPIs) agreed within the panel contracts between the Ministry and external suppliers.
What is a waste management plan#
Completing the waste management plan is a requirement for each external supplier agreed to within their panel contract with the Ministry. Your plan is due prior to the start of Term 2 annually.
This document will show what types of waste you have and where it goes. A school or kura may request to see your waste management plan at any point throughout the year. We encourage you to keep it accurate and up to date.
Supplier waste management plan template#
Below you can download the workbook containing the following templates:
- waste management plan
- an updated packaging and food recovery hierarchies.
Email your completed waste management plan to your senior advisor or email us prior to the start of Term 2 each year.
Email: [email protected]
Reporting weight of waste to landfill#
Within your panel contracts, external suppliers have agreed to report to us the weight of 2 weeks' of waste sent to landfill.
This information is to be shared via the Term 2 or Term 3 supplier survey.
Relationship principles#
All meal providers in the Healthy School Lunches programme are required to provide services and deliverables in a manner that is consistent with the following relationship principles.
- Service approach: the focus for service delivery is performance-based achievement, value for money, and fosters a sustainable commercial arrangement for both parties.
- Teamwork: communication is open and honest. Respond quickly and proactively to issues raised and share opportunities and solutions to problems.
- Continuous improvement: work to continuously improve meal quality and services to deliver value to schools and kura.
- Transparency: a fundamental requirement in relation to all operational information matters in respect of the services provided.
School Lunch Collective#
You can read information for schools on the School Lunch Collective model here.
School Lunch Collective external model
The School Lunch Collective Services Agreement#
Contributing primary schools (Years 0 to 6)#
From Term 1 2026, 10 regional suppliers will provide nutritious lunches to external model contributing primary schools.
You can read more about contributing primary schools who have external providers here.
Specialist schools and teen parent units#
There are external suppliers delivering complex special dietary meals to students in specialist schools, satellite schools and teen parent units.
Suppliers are required to make sure each school can access nutritious meals in a manner that fits the unique context and needs of students.
You can read more about these schools here.
