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Celebrating one year of free kai in Aranui

Social issues

Lily McCurrie
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Whāngai Ngā Tangata celebrated its first year anniversary at Hampshire Park.  Lily McCurrie/NZBS

An Ōtautahi community group providing free meals to whānau in Aranui celebrated its first year anniversary over the weekend.

Whāngai Ngā Tangata held a celebration at Hampshire Park on Saturday, marking one year as a kaupapa.

The event drew whānau from across the neighbourhood, with plenty for children to enjoy, including a talent quest, a bouncy castle, and face painting.

The day also featured raffles, a sausage sizzle, and relay games with hampers and plants given away.

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With the help of fundraising and sponsors, Whāngai Ngā Tangata have also been able to offer clothing and other everyday essentials. Lily McCurrie/NZBS

Chairperson Wai Johnson said she was chuffed with how the day turned out.

"It really is a great day.

"There's no money spent here today."

"It's a lot of love.

"A lot of beautiful love."
Whāngai Ngā Tangata Chairperson Wai Johnson

All the food provided on the day was donated by people in the community and sponsors.

“We’re so grateful for these sponsors because they help us do what we do for the community,” Johnson said.

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The group run weekly lottos and raffles to raise funds and give away prizes. Lily McCurrie/NZBS
The celebration was shared on their Facebook page.

The team of 14 volunteers spend days preparing meals in their own homes before coming together every fortnight to share with whānau at the Aranui Wainoni Community Centre.

“Time is the thing," Johnson said.

“...A bit of your time, and that’s what you can create."

Volunteer Bonnie Ramirez said each team member brought something of their own to the group.

“It started as a whole tinana, so every single person in the kaupapa is a different part of that tinana, and we all work together.

“It’s amazing that we’ve grown to be as big as we are now.”
Whāngai Ngā Tangata Volunteer Bonnie Ramirez
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Wai Johnson encourages other communities to get involved and serve if the need is there. Lily McCurrie/NZBS

The group is now looking towards its next chapter, with plans to find a permanent space in the area with its own kitchen.

After celebrating its first year, Whāngai Ngā Tangata plans to bring the community together again, with a Christmas event scheduled for December.

Until then, the group will continue to provide free kai every second Thursday in the heart of Aranui.