The country's "nits epidemic" is under attack with the introduction of free head lice treatment to families in low decile schools, the Government says.
Funding of nearly $1 million is being provided by the Ministry of Social Development to tackle the troublesome parasite, minister Paula Bennett said today.
"Although nits are found in all schools, children from low-decile schools, and particularly their parents, could use help in dealing with nits," she said.
"Treatment can typically cost $30. Combine that with several heads in the household and the problem becomes extremely expensive. This initiative will allow for whole families to be treated if necessary."
Each school would have a special chair installed - similar to that at a hairdressers - and enough combs and bottles of treatment to destroy the relentless vermin, Ms Bennett said.
