Our food rescue subsidary Whakaora Kai has passed a milestone that speaks volumes about food waste, food insecurity, and community resilience in Taitokerau.
Since launching in 2017 as Food Rescue Northland, Whakaora Kai has grown from a small-scale food rescue initiative into a vital regional network that collects surplus food from supermarkets, producers, and growers, and redistributes it to more than 120 schools, marae, community organisations, and foodbanks across Northland.
“Every tonne of food rescued represents a meal that didn’t go to waste and a person or family who felt seen and supported,” says Whakaora Kai Kaihautū Daniela Johnson.
“This milestone shows just how much good kai can do when it’s shared with care.”
What began as a way to reduce food waste has become a key pillar in the region’s social support system. The team behind Whakaora Kai works closely with local partners to ensure good food gets to those who need it most, fast, efficiently, and with aroha.
“We know hunger isn’t just about empty stomachs but equity, dignity and connection,” says Whare Āwhina CEO Liz Cassidy-Canning.
“Whakaora Kai is proof that small, local efforts can lead to massive impact.”
As the need for food support continues to grow, Whakaora Kai is committed to scaling its efforts both in capacity and awareness.
“This isn’t the end of the story but a turning point. One million tonnes is a moment to celebrate but also to recommit to the kaupapa. There’s still so much more to do.”
Join the mission
Whakaora Kai is now calling on locals to join the mission by donating surplus fruit and vegetables growing in their own gardens.
“If you have fruit trees or veggie patches overflowing, let it feed whānau in need,” says Johnson. “Your backyard abundance could make a real difference.”
The Whakaora Kai team can even help with picking and collecting the produce, making it easy for households to turn surplus into support.
“We work with over 100 incredible schools, marae, foodbanks and frontline organisations who are always grateful for fresh, healthy produce to share. It’s one more way the community can come together to uplift each other,” says Johnson.
