Future of Duffy Books in limbo as Ministry of Education considers 'competitive tender process'
The New Zealand Ministry of Education is considering a competitive tender process for the Duffy Books in Homes programme. The foundation expresses concern over the potential impact on their long-standing literacy initiative.
Why it matters
Addresses the tension between government procurement efficiency and the continuity of established social welfare programs.
The Ministry of Education is considering opening its contract with the Duffy Books in Homes programme to competitive tender.
A briefing paper shows it renewed the contract for providing free books to children in poor communities until the end of 2027, but intended to "explore a competitive tender process ahead of any further contract renewals".
The ministry said its contract was with the Alan Duff Charitable Foundation, which funded the Duffy Books programme.
It provided at least 550,000 books to over 550 schools and about 40,000 books to more than 200 early childhood centres.
The programme also ran theatre shows and school assemblies with role models, it said.
"We want to be assured that we are getting the highest possible value for money with this contract. A procurement process will help us determine if there are other suppliers interested and capable of delivering these services," the ministry said.
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