Sue Parkes

Guest writer

Sue Parkes is a former home economics teacher and currently a doctoral student at the University of Canterbury.

The school lunch ready to be assessed (Image: The Spinoff)

Not achieved: A home economics teacher’s school lunch assessment

Does it meet the NCEA Level 1 standard? We have some possibly unsurprising news.

By Sue Parkes | 3rd December, 2025

Image: Getty Images; design The Spinoff

Home economics is about nourishing a nation. So why is it being scrapped?

The latest subject to be cut from the curriculum empowers people to question misinformation, make informed decisions and demand fair access to healthy food.

& Tina Williams | 22nd October, 2025