Fair Food Matariki Awards 2025

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 2025 winners of Fair Food’s Matariki awards: 

Waitā sustainable food donor: Aussie Butcher New Lynn. Waitā is the star of salt water. Past recipients: Farro Fresh and Life Health Foods. 

Reuben and Katie go above and beyond to support our mahi, regularly donating quality meat and always saying yes when we need a hand. Aussie Butcher New Lynn has provided delicious meat for every major event, and even called us on Christmas Eve to make sure hams could reach families in time for the holidays. Their generosity, community spirit, and commitment to helping those in need makes a real difference. We’re so lucky to have them as part of the Fair Food whānau

Waiti frontline charity partner: Kai Avondale. Waiti is the star of fresh water. 

Past recipients: Waitakere Indian Association and Give A Kid A Blanket 

As one of our long-standing recipient partners, Kai Avondale has been turning rescued kai into community care for over seven years. Each week, we supply enough food to help them fill over 100 food parcels and support their community meal Feed The Streets, that feeds 200 people every fortnight. They’re always ready to step up when we have excess food that needs to move fast, and their mahi in the Avondale community is nothing short of inspiring. We’re so proud to work alongside them to feed people, not landfill.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi funder of the year. One Percent Collective. Hiwaiterangi represents our aspirations for the year ahead  

Past recipients: Simplicity and West City Auto. 

This amazing group of everyday people chooses to give just 1% of their income to causes they care about. Over 200 givers have collectively raised $166,607.55 for Fair Food. It’s a powerful reminder that small, regular acts of generosity can create a huge impact. Their collective support helps us rescue good food and feed families across Tāmaki Makaurau. Thank you to every single donor for backing our mission and being part of our Fair Food whānau! 

Tupuārangi (outstanding volunteer of the year). Young Onset Dementia Collective. Hiwaiterangi represents everything that grows up on trees, the fruits of our labour. 

Past recipients Jenni, Mandy, James and Intelligent Environments. 

The YODC crew are the highlight of our week. Every Monday, they bring an unbeatable mix of energy, teamwork, and compassion to Fair Food. They show up with purpose and joy, reminding us that volunteering can be powerful and fun. Their uplifting spirit spreads through the warehouse, inspiring everyone around them. On top of that, they work absolute magic in the kitchen. This year, they have upcycled 459 kilos of rescued kai into warm, delicious meals for the community. We’re so grateful for this awesome group of humans who make such a big impact in every way.