Sistema® Donates Over 1,000 Lunch Kits To Support New Zealand School Starters And Waste-Free Lunches

Tuesday 16 March 2026: – More than 1,000 tamariki starting school in late 2025 and early 2026 will receive free Sistema lunchboxes and drink bottles through the Sistema School Starter Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to support families and encourage waste-free lunches.

Back for another year, the programme delivers lunch kits to new entrants at higher equity index schools across Aotearoa, helping whānau manage back-to-school costs while fostering sustainable habits from day one.

Focus on Rural Communities
This year, Sistema prioritised rural communities and smaller schools, ensuring that students in remote areas feel prepared and valued.

At Whareorino School in Waikawau, about 120km from New Plymouth, Principal Wendy Payne said the gesture had a big impact:

“As a tiny rural school, small gestures like this mean a lot. Our ākonga were so proud to take their new lunchboxes and bottles to a neighbouring school. It gave them something of their very own.”

Horohoro School near Rotorua echoed the sentiment. Principal Pirihira Brown shared:

“Our tamariki were delighted to take their lunchboxes home and bring them back full of delicious kai.”

In Hamilton, Whitiora School received 25 lunch kits. Principal Te Haumoana Biddle said:

“The lunch kits support our whānau and help our students begin their school journey feeling prepared, valued, and cared for.”

Giving Back to Our Communities

Tim Burnie, Director at Sistema Plastics, said the School Starter Programme reflects the company’s commitment to its roots:

“Sistema started in a small New Zealand town and grew into the global company we are today, and we've never forgotten our responsibility to give back. Investing in the next generation means ensuring every child has the basics they need to thrive at school. For many families facing back-to-school costs, a quality lunchbox and drink bottle might seem small, but they're part of setting kids up for success from day one.”

The initiative also supports the growing number of New Zealand schools implementing waste-free lunch policies, giving families practical tools to pack sustainable, healthy lunches.

About Newell Brands

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie®, Graco®, Coleman®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Yankee Candle®, Paper Mate®, FoodSaver®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Elmer's®, Oster®, NUK®, Spontex® and Campingaz®. Newell Brands is focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments.  www.newellbrands.com

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