For many in our community, Christmas can be a challenging time. With some services taking a well-earned break, it’s not always easy to know where to go for support, especially when it comes to kai.
To make things a little easier, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to the community meals, Christmas lunches, and weekly food supports available across Whangārei over the holiday period. This list is designed to help whānau stay connected, nourished, and supported until services reopen in the new year
Community Christmas Meals
Petrina & Friends – Community Christmas Lunch
Monday 23 December, 12pm
Bus Station, Rose Street
A warm community lunch open to anyone needing a meal or companionship in the lead-up to Christmas.
Whare Āwhina – Christmas Lunch
Tuesday 24 December, 9.30am–12pm
93 Cameron Street
Join us on Christmas Eve for a shared kai experience grounded in manaakitanga and connection. Everyone is welcome.
Gary Younger & Friends – Christmas Brunch
Wednesday 25 December, 8am–10am
Laurie Hall Park
A Christmas morning brunch served with kindness for anyone who needs a meal or a place to be on the day.
Weekly Community Meal Services (Running Through the Holiday Period)
These ongoing community initiatives continue operating throughout the Christmas and New Year period, providing consistent support for whānau.
Renz – Community Meals
Every Monday & Wednesday, 5pm
Otaika Shops, Tarewa Road
Local Hoodz – Free Community Meal
Every Thursday, 7pm
City Centre, Cameron Street
Soul Food – Community Dinner
Every Monday, 7.30pm
Anglican Hall, Kamo Road
Petrina & Friends – Community Meals
Every Tuesday, 7pm
Bus Station, Rose Street
A Community That Shows Up
Christmas is a time where generosity shines, and the groups above embody that spirit every week of the year. We are grateful for the people and organisations who work tirelessly to ensure no one goes without kai or connection.
Please share this information with whānau, neighbours, and anyone who might need support over the holiday period. Together, we can make the season a little lighter for our community.
If you need support beyond kai, Whare Āwhina services will reopen in early January, with legal clinics resuming February 2026.
