Rōpū Awhina Kai o te Uru - Food Relief Network Hui

A strong collective came together for the first time at Wai Health this month, a historic gathering of providers united around one shared purpose: supporting the wellbeing of whānau across West Auckland.

Joined by our Rōpū Kaumātua and the Whare Manaaki (Foodbank) team, the hui brought together Michele Eickstaedt (Kai West), Tracey Watene (Head of Operations, Fairfood), and valued partners from Kai Avondale, Glenavon Community Hub, Hope Centre, Salvation Army, and Leataata Trust.

For many in the room, it was the first time sitting together at the same table, and it showed just how much is possible when our community moves as one. CEO John Tamihere reflected on the significance of the day.

"Our foodbank is all volunteers and run by our Kaumātua Rōpū, these are our elders giving their time and their hearts to make sure no whānau goes without. Having a hui like today is so important. It's about joint ventures and about working together."

The hui was a great opportunity for providers to strengthen their collective commitment to West Auckland whānau. This is the kind of collaboration that creates real, lasting change at the grassroots level.