Te Kai Mākona: A Whānau-Led Pathway to Food Security in Whangārei

In Whangārei, The Salvation Army’s Te Kai Mākona initiative is transforming food support through a fresh, whānau-led approach that empowers families to move from crisis to confidence. As part of a national pilot, Te Kai Mākona strengthens food security by offering holistic, mana-enhancing support that goes far beyond food parcels.

At the heart of the initiative is a social supermarket model, where whānau select their own groceries every eight weeks, guided by kōrero with wellbeing workers. This dignity-based approach reduces waste and ensures tailored support. Complementary options like pātaka kai and overnight packs ensure no one goes without.

Te Kai Mākona also includes a six-week Oranga Kai course combining cooking, gardening and shared meals, and a weekly Community Meal following Recovery Church, often prepared by volunteers with lived experience. While a food co-op trial was discontinued due to affordability barriers, the programme’s adaptability reflects its strength.

An independent evaluation by New Zealand based evaluation consultancy TIRIA identified five key outcomes: meeting immediate needs, providing stability, building skills and confidence, enabling whānau to give back, and fostering healing and belonging.

Strong partnerships with supermarkets, farms, schools, and food rescue programmes like Whakaora Kai ensure a steady supply of nutritious kai and deepen community connections. Delivered by a team with both professional and lived experience, Te Kai Mākona is grounded in trust, wraparound support, and cultural safety.

More than a food initiative, Te Kai Mākona is a movement — a flexible, values-driven model that restores hope and builds resilience across Aotearoa.

More Specifics: Te Kai Mākona in Whangarei – The Foodbank Project