The Government has been quick to dismiss the Green Party's new education policy aimed at trying to help students from schools in poorer areas.
Under the policy, health, welfare and other support services would be clustered in community hubs in low-decile schools. The proposal would also offer free lunches for children in decile one-to-four schools and put nurses on site.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says children can't learn if they're hungry and sick.
But Education Minister Hekia Parata disputes that, saying the quality of teaching is the most important factor in learning.
