Latest news with #NewZealandFoodNetwork
Scoop
10-08-2025
- General
- Scoop
Kiwis Facing Hardship Forced To Choose Between Feeding Themselves Or Their Pets, Says Petstock Foundation
The Petstock Foundation has partnered with the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) to help provide relief to struggling families amid the cost-of-living crisis. Throughout August, the Petstock Foundation's commitment is to raise $100,000 across Australia and New Zealand which will supply pet food to families in need. Nearly two-thirds of New Zealand households own a pet, with the number significantly higher for households with children at up to 71%. A recent study also found that people experiencing poverty go without food to provide pets in their care – something that NZFN's recipient food hubs also see on the front lines of food insecurity. Naomi Mancktelow, Petstock Foundation said, 'The Big Hearts Project aims to empower individuals and families struggling to feed their pets. We know that people who experience hardship also tend to experience social isolation. We also know that having a pet companion can alleviate this. 'The Foundation is committed to leading change, strengthening the bond between pets and people, and creating lasting impact in local communities,' says Naomi. According to NZFN, from July to December 2024, their partner food hubs reported that the top reasons Kiwis sought support were: 93% stated rising cost of living 59% stated unemployment 67% stated low household income 51% stated unexpected bills or expenses CEO of the NZ Food Network, Gavin Findlay said, 'We're extremely grateful for the Petstock Foundation's support. As more families struggle to put food on the table, we welcome this opportunity to alleviate this burden on both the pets and their owners. We know that families on stretched budgets often face the hard choice of feeding themselves or feeding their pets. With the Petstock Foundation's support we can help take away that impossible decision, so no family member or pet goes hungry.' Naomi said, 'This August, you can donate $2 to the Petstock Foundation to provide a meal to a pet in need. Either in store or online, this small donation will make a big difference. You will not just fill a bowl; you are supporting the emotional wellbeing for families under pressure, keeping pets in loving homes where they belong and empowering a better future for pets and people. Let's stand together for the pets that inspire us, and for the whānau who love them.' How Kiwis can support: Donate just $2 in-store or online: Pet lovers can donate at the Petstock counter in-store or online 100% of funds donated to the Foundation supports its charitable partners and projects like Big Hearts with all operating costs covered by the business. ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP The Petstock Foundation and New Zealand Food Network have partnered together to distribute essential pet food to food insecure households across New Zealand. This partnership ensures that families struggling to put food on the table won't also have to surrender or neglect their pets due to financial constraints. Through the support of generous Petstock customers, this campaign aims to deliver real, practical help to Kiwi households doing it tough, and ensuring no bowl or belly goes empty.
Scoop
10-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Kiwis Facing Hardship Forced To Choose Between Feeding Themselves Or Their Pets, Says Petstock Foundation
Press Release – Petstock Foundation Nearly two-thirds of New Zealand households own a pet, with the number significantly higher for households with children at up to 71%. The Petstock Foundation has partnered with the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) to help provide relief to struggling families amid the cost-of-living crisis. Throughout August, the Petstock Foundation's commitment is to raise $100,000 across Australia and New Zealand which will supply pet food to families in need. Nearly two-thirds of New Zealand households own a pet, with the number significantly higher for households with children at up to 71%. A recent study also found that people experiencing poverty go without food to provide pets in their care – something that NZFN's recipient food hubs also see on the front lines of food insecurity. Naomi Mancktelow, Petstock Foundation said, 'The Big Hearts Project aims to empower individuals and families struggling to feed their pets. We know that people who experience hardship also tend to experience social isolation. We also know that having a pet companion can alleviate this. 'The Foundation is committed to leading change, strengthening the bond between pets and people, and creating lasting impact in local communities,' says Naomi. According to NZFN, from July to December 2024, their partner food hubs reported that the top reasons Kiwis sought support were: 93% stated rising cost of living 59% stated unemployment 67% stated low household income 51% stated unexpected bills or expenses CEO of the NZ Food Network, Gavin Findlay said, 'We're extremely grateful for the Petstock Foundation's support. As more families struggle to put food on the table, we welcome this opportunity to alleviate this burden on both the pets and their owners. We know that families on stretched budgets often face the hard choice of feeding themselves or feeding their pets. With the Petstock Foundation's support we can help take away that impossible decision, so no family member or pet goes hungry.' Naomi said, 'This August, you can donate $2 to the Petstock Foundation to provide a meal to a pet in need. Either in store or online, this small donation will make a big difference. You will not just fill a bowl; you are supporting the emotional wellbeing for families under pressure, keeping pets in loving homes where they belong and empowering a better future for pets and people. Let's stand together for the pets that inspire us, and for the whānau who love them.' How Kiwis can support: Donate just $2 in-store or online: Pet lovers can donate at the Petstock counter in-store or online 100% of funds donated to the Foundation supports its charitable partners and projects like Big Hearts with all operating costs covered by the business. ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP The Petstock Foundation and New Zealand Food Network have partnered together to distribute essential pet food to food insecure households across New Zealand. This partnership ensures that families struggling to put food on the table won't also have to surrender or neglect their pets due to financial constraints. Through the support of generous Petstock customers, this campaign aims to deliver real, practical help to Kiwi households doing it tough, and ensuring no bowl or belly goes empty.
Otago Daily Times
24-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Food pantry volunteers an inspiration for people in need
More than half a million Kiwis are using food banks each month to get by. New Brighton Community Fridge and Pantry volunteer Carolyn Tauailoto Uili said demand for its service is on the increase, with about 80 to 100 people each day now lining up for food. Monday and Friday are the busiest days. 'Sometimes they can be queued up right down to the corner,' she said. A recent survey from the New Zealand Food Network, a not-for-profit organisation which distributes food to food banks across the country, found food hubs were providing support to more than 500,000 individuals a month between July and December 2024. That is up from the previous number of 454,000 individuals for the previous six months. The report also found a third of recipients had not sought food support before. The food pantry has been operating for eight years on the grounds of St Faith's Church on Hawke St, expanding from two shelves to now incorporating two sheds, a fridge and an outdoor covered area. Tauailoto Uili said because of high demand, a new rule was recently introduced requiring users to live within the greater New Brighton area. 'We still let them take food, but tell them next time they have to go to their local food bank. We had people coming from Hoon Hay,' she said. The 67-year-old North New Brighton resident has been volunteering four days a week for the past six years. One of the reasons was to get to know people. 'It's better than sitting at home, it can be very isolating.' She said they deal with people who have a lot of issues. 'Some people are positive, some aren't. You just take it on the chin. If someone's ranting and raving I'll just let them finish. In one ear and out the other.' Volunteers might be the only people they talk to. 'We don't judge anyone, no matter what.' Volunteer Cody Edge is one of the food pantry's success stories. 'I was homeless, an addict. Seeing these women and the work they do inspired me to give up my addictions." He said he was grateful to Carolyn and the other volunteers for supporting him. 'She's like our mum. Being here is what gave me the reason to pull myself together, no excuses. I thought, 'they're doing it, why can't I?'." Edge said the food pantry encourages the community to help each other. Tauailoto Uili said there is good support from local businesses and regulars who drop off food, but they could always use more. 'One lady has an autistic son who loves to bake, so she'll bring some baking in every couple of weeks.' One man regularly drops off a big stack of freshly cooked fried rice, and another who uses the service on Thursdays, offers free haircuts to other users. She said people can choose the items they want, but there were limits. 'We're not here to fill their pantries, we're only here to give them enough to see them through the day.' Users can choose a couple of items from the grocery shelves, three fridge items such as milk, cheese, eggs or meat and then help themselves to vegetables. 'They can only come once a day, although some do try.' She said the older-type houses replaced by a number of townhouse complexes in New Brighton recently has resulted in more people queuing for their service. 'From what I hear, they're paying such high rents and can't afford it. They're thrown out and come to us.' Tauailoto Uili said she plans to keep volunteering. 'As long as I'm needed. We have an 80-year-old volunteer, so I have a way to go.'
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Food Network Appoints Two New Food Sustainability Champions To Board
Press Release – New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's national food rescue and largest food support charity, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organisation through its next chapter of impact and growth. The first is Ian Proudfoot, currently Global Head of Agribusiness at KPMG. Proudfoot brings over three decades of experience in auditing, governance, and strategic leadership in the agri-food sector, with deep networks across both New Zealand and international food systems. Proudfoot is the lead author of the award-winning KPMG Agribusiness Agenda and played a key role in establishing the Mana Kai Initiative, which aims to transform New Zealand's food system to be more inclusive and resilient. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainable food strategy, and his long-standing commitment to food system equity will be invaluable to NZFN's mission. Meanwhile, Wade Gillooly joins the Board as a director at Marmont Investments, with over 25 years of commercial and executive experience across the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. A former CEO of ABE'S Real Bagels and Pitango, Gillooly has a proven track record in leading business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering results in complex, multisite operations. Wade is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, mentoring founders and helping build innovative food brands including Ārepa among others. His strategic mindset, governance acumen, and pragmatic leadership style will be a tremendous asset to NZFN. NZFN Board Chair, Suneil Connor says he welcomes the new appointments. 'During our thorough recruitment process, it became outstandingly clear that Ian and Wade had the deep industry experience and capability we were seeking, alongside a core alignment with NZFN's mission. We're so excited to officially welcome them as directors of NZFN.' NZFN Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Findlay adds, 'Their strategic insight and global perspective will be invaluable as we navigate one of the most challenging times for food security in Aotearoa. Both Ian and Wade bring a wealth of skills and experience that will strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for food support, and help shape a more sustainable future for NZFN and the communities we serve.' About New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is Aotearoa's national food rescue and largest food support charity. With distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, it accepts bulk surplus and donated food from food producers, growers and manufacturers and redistributes to more than 60 food hubs (regional food rescues, iwi, food banks and other charities) so that they may feed the communities they serve. Via these food hubs, NZFN ultimately serves a network of more than 2,000 frontline organisations across the country. NZFN's services reduce GHG emissions from landfill and ensure a positive social impact by getting food to where it's needed most. NZFN's operations are primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help address the issue of food insecurity nationwide. In addition to distributing donated food, NZFN purchases low-cost pantry staples and other household essentials with funds raised to help keep its Food Hubs well stocked. It also serves as procurement partner for registered Food Hubs to purchase food and can be activated in the event of an emergency to procure goods for MSD and government providers.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Food Network Appoints Two New Food Sustainability Champions To Board
New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's national food rescue and largest food support charity, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors to guide the organisation through its next chapter of impact and growth. The first is Ian Proudfoot, currently Global Head of Agribusiness at KPMG. Proudfoot brings over three decades of experience in auditing, governance, and strategic leadership in the agri-food sector, with deep networks across both New Zealand and international food systems. Proudfoot is the lead author of the award-winning KPMG Agribusiness Agenda and played a key role in establishing the Mana Kai Initiative, which aims to transform New Zealand's food system to be more inclusive and resilient. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainable food strategy, and his long-standing commitment to food system equity will be invaluable to NZFN's mission. Meanwhile, Wade Gillooly joins the Board as a director at Marmont Investments, with over 25 years of commercial and executive experience across the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. A former CEO of ABE'S Real Bagels and Pitango, Gillooly has a proven track record in leading business growth, building high-performing teams, and delivering results in complex, multisite operations. Wade is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, mentoring founders and helping build innovative food brands including Ārepa among others. His strategic mindset, governance acumen, and pragmatic leadership style will be a tremendous asset to NZFN. NZFN Board Chair, Suneil Connor says he welcomes the new appointments. 'During our thorough recruitment process, it became outstandingly clear that Ian and Wade had the deep industry experience and capability we were seeking, alongside a core alignment with NZFN's mission. We're so excited to officially welcome them as directors of NZFN.' NZFN Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Findlay adds, 'Their strategic insight and global perspective will be invaluable as we navigate one of the most challenging times for food security in Aotearoa. Both Ian and Wade bring a wealth of skills and experience that will strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for food support, and help shape a more sustainable future for NZFN and the communities we serve.' About New Zealand Food Network New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is Aotearoa's national food rescue and largest food support charity. With distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, it accepts bulk surplus and donated food from food producers, growers and manufacturers and redistributes to more than 60 food hubs (regional food rescues, iwi, food banks and other charities) so that they may feed the communities they serve. Via these food hubs, NZFN ultimately serves a network of more than 2,000 frontline organisations across the country. NZFN's services reduce GHG emissions from landfill and ensure a positive social impact by getting food to where it's needed most. NZFN's operations are primarily funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help address the issue of food insecurity nationwide. In addition to distributing donated food, NZFN purchases low-cost pantry staples and other household essentials with funds raised to help keep its Food Hubs well stocked. It also serves as procurement partner for registered Food Hubs to purchase food and can be activated in the event of an emergency to procure goods for MSD and government providers.
