KEY POINTS:
Primary schools in other parts of New Zealand are not following the lead of Albany's Oteha Valley School in banning birthday cakes at school.
Oteha Valley School has made the move to conform with the Government's new healthy food guidelines, which come into effect in June.
Newlands Primary School in Wellington does not have an official policy, but of the 250 students enrolled only about seven will bring birthday cakes to share with their classmates in a year.
Newlands principal Deborah Butt said teachers take the opportunity to talk to students about the importance of healthy eating.
"Often it's kids who don't have a strong network of friends. Often it can be special needs kids so it's a way for the parents celebrating in a safe environment for their children. The parents usually ask the teacher first," Mrs Butt said.
"Usually they have a slither of cake and take the opportunity to say it's a sometimes food. It's sometimes, for some children, the only way that they will be celebrated, so I think it is quite important," Mrs Butt said.
She said water is the only drink available at school and they also have fruit breaks where fruit is sliced into small pieces and provided jointly by parents and the school.
Further south in Dunedin, Caversham principal Mike Darracott said being a decile two school, cake is not the top priority.
"We don't have a policy, there's far too many damn policies, to be blunt," Mr Darracott said.
He said his school promotes healthy eating and fruit, milk and water are available at school. Mr Darracott said occasionally treats will be eaten during celebrations but it's about moderation and his teachers promote the food pyramid and five plus a day.
"The other issue is activity. Often we find here that if a child is going to be active, they are going to be active at school," Mr Darracott said.
"I'm a runner, even though I'm an old codger at 66, I don't mind the odd sweet to keep me motivated. It's not quite the same as staring at an onion when you're feeling hungry at 3 o'clock," Mr Darracott said.
In Christchurch, Cashmere Primary deputy principal Linda Taylor said students don't bring birthday cakes to school. She said the school promotes healthy eating and once a week a healthy lunch can be purchased from school.
She said the lunches include filled rolls, wraps and fruit.
