Fair Food Matariki Awards 2026
Matariki is a time to celebrate – hard work of the harvest is over and it’s time to join together, share korero, kai, waiata and dream of what lies ahead.
We are pleased to announce the 2026 winners of Fair Food’s Matariki awards:
Te Punga: Aussie Butcher New Lynn Te Punga represents the anchor. It is the Southern Cross that’s always visible.
We created this award to recognise an individual or organisation whose unwavering commitment, generosity, and presence help anchor our kaupapa. Through their consistent support, whether through the sharing of resources, financial contributions, active participation, or simply showing up when it matters, they provide stability and strength to our collective journey.
Like a punga that holds a waka steady amidst changing tides, Reuben Sharples helps keep our kaupapa connected to its purpose and values. His family’s contribution enables others to thrive, strengthens our community, and reminds us that meaningful change is often built through quiet acts of generosity and steadfast support.
Ururangi: Tony Stewart. Ururangi represents the wind and the atmosphere. It is the unseen energy that propels us forward.
We added this award this year in special recognition of someone who appeared out of thin air to put together an incredible fine dining series, Shared Table, that’s elevated our community. Tony has breathed life into Fair Food, put wind in our sails, and taken us to new shores. His mastery of his craft is matched by his incredible patience and generosity. It has been a highlight of our year having you at our kai tables. Thank you for sharing your talent with our community.
Waitā sustainable food donor: Farro. Waitā is the star of salt water. Past recipients: Aussie Butcher, Life Health Foods.
Farro’s commitment to sustainability began long before it was trendy. They walk the walk, sending less than 1% of their food to landfill, making them a model for all stores. They’ve hosted our hospitality skills team, fundraise for us every year, sell our tea towels in their stores, and always think of us whenever they have a new idea.
Waiti frontline charity partner: Young Mums. Waiti is the star of fresh water.
Past recipients: Kai Avondale, Waitakere Indian Association and Give A Kid A Blanket
This year, we are recognising one of our charity partners who have been with us almost since the beginning. The infants we fed in 2012 are now 14 years old. We absolutely love everything about the Young Mums programme at Living and Learning in Henderson, and not just because they bring babies to our Hub. We are inspired by the realness of all the wahine involved, the energy and grit they bring to our Conscious Cooking clubs, and the fact that they show up no matter how hard their week has been.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi funder of the year: Hoku Foundation. Hiwaiterangi represents our aspirations for the year ahead
Past recipients: One Percent Collective, Simplicity, and West City Auto.
Hoku Foundation are a role model and leader in their holistic approach to backing charities. They share our ambitions, love to nerd out and dream with us, and they value honesty and transparency in a way that can be rare in philanthropy. They are true collective impact partners.
Tupuārangi outstanding volunteer of the year: Te Matawai Tupuārangi represents everything that grows up on trees, the fruits of our labour.
Past recipients Young Onset Dementia Collective, Jenni, Mandy, James and Intelligent Environments.
This is a stiff competition with more than 600 volunteers each month coming through our kai tables! But, the choice was easy because Te Matawai are present consistently in every aspect of Fair Food. They host us for cooking clubs, have offered their space for events, come every Thursday with enthusiasm and talent, have guided our work skills programme as leaders, bring food back to their community pantry, and even join us at Sunday Blessings. You all are the best neighbours we could ever dream of.
Special thanks to Tahi Mana for bringing fire to our festivities.