Matariki is a time to celebrate – hard work of the harvest is over and it’s time to huddle together, cook, share korero, waiata and dream of a prosperous future.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Fair Food Matariki awards:
Tupu-a-rangi- outstanding volunteer of the year – Jenni. Jenni has been volunteering twice a week since June 2021! Her outstanding efforts have resulted in her being a great team leader on the kai tables. She helps train new volunteers, takes 3 boxes of kai to her local pataka kai and steps in whenever we need her. Jenni has been an essential volunteer for us to welcome corporate groups to the Hub.
Waiti- frontline charity of the year – Give a Kid a Blanket. GaKaB helps our community 24/7, Bernie and his team do community meals and all round emergency support for those in need. He collects kai on a Friday afternoon and redistributes over the weekend. GaKaB are always a quick call away if we have surplus kai and are doing amazing things in the West Auckland community.
Waita- sustainable food donor of the year – Life Health Foods. Life Health Foods have been supporters of Fair Food for a while. In 2022, they developed delicious soups with proceeds from each pack sold to be donated to Fair Food. Many members of their team have volunteered at Fair Food so they know first hand what we do and where their donated products go.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi- funder of the year – West City Auto Group. John and his team at WCAG are always a phone call away. They order REGO’s and RUC’s for us, organise services and COF’s all whilst giving us mates rates. Just last week, Rick came to pick up one of our vehicles to be serviced. WCAG have loaned us vehicles and are always willing to lend us a helping hand.
Thank you to all our community groups that integrated Fair Food into their Matariki events. Rescuing food is a great way to show respect for the whenua and the kai it gives us.
We also hosted a staff Matariki awards, here are the Fair Food winners:
Matariki – passionately guiding and encouraging others – Adele Duncan
Waipunarangi – demonstrating acts of kindness- Maia Gallagher
Tupu-ā-nuku – focusing on the future of Fair Food- Sam Wright
Ururangi – consistently having a superstar attitude – Sonny Wade
