The first Māori-led social supermarket has officially opened its doors in Kaitaia. Te Hiku Pātaka is a Te Kahu Oranga Whānau led initiative supported by Foodstuffs North Island. It comes as part of Foodstuff's pledge to be here for New Zealand, and ensure all Kiwis have access to healthy and affordable food.
The site at 138 Commerce street was transformed into a supermarket in just over two months. It will proudly serve the local community and provide dignity of choice for those in the region that need support accessing food.
“The Pātaka also includes the provision of services that support whānau development through Te Kahu Oranga Whānau. This enables us to support the aspirations of whānau and communities in Te Hiku. Our ongoing commitment is that Te Hiku Pātaka is life-changing for whānau and our communities. Being the first Pātaka Māori in Aotearoa in partnership with Foodstuffs is a great start.” Said DeeAnn Wolferstan of Te Kahu Oranga Whānau.
Unlike the traditional food bank or food parcel model, Te Hiku Pātaka operates just like a supermarket. If someone is facing food insecurity, they can take a trolley around the shop and pick items for themselves. It will run as a ‘low-cost model’ that asks people to make a small contribution toward their groceries.
“We have brought retail expertise and logistical support, as well as providing retail and checkout training to the community team who will be running the operation, so the Pātaka can serve those in need with confidence. And in return, we have learnt so much about Te Hiku o te Ika.” Said Willa Hand, Foodstuffs North Island Head of Membership Experience.
“Our vision is to engage with more communities to offer initiatives like this. It’s a truly innovative way to address the issue of food insecurity, and Foodstuffs is committed to working on locally-led projects like this that make a real difference.”
The opening of Te Hiku Pātaka follows the success of the Wellington social supermarket, which in its first year supported 3,268 Wellingtonians.
