Puku Ora liquidates owing $600,000 in taxes

Puku Ora, a school lunch provider, has gone into liquidation owing over $600,000 in taxes. The company lost contracts for six schools due to changes in the government’s school lunch program, which significantly reduced its revenue. The liquidators reported that Puku Ora faced substantial tax arrears, leading to winding up proceedings. The company struggled with debts, including unpaid wages to former employees and claims from unsecured creditors. Puku Ora's co-founders cited the impact of COVID-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, and government decisions as key factors in their business failure. Another provider, Libelle, also faced liquidation amid ongoing issues in the school lunch program.