26/06/2026
Aroha Pantry – Whāingaroa
"Take what you need. Give what you can."
Today, we installed a new Pātaka Kai beside the iHub on Wainui Road for our community.
The kowhaiwhai pattern used is called Kokiri. Kokiri is a symbol of hospitality.
This project was made possible thanks to a small team of dedicated volunteers and the generous support of several local businesses.
The new structure is safer and offers better protection from the weather, helping keep donated food and books in good condition.
I invite everyone in the Whāingaroa community to become kaitiaki (guardians) of this shared space. Please help keep it tidy and use it only for kai (food and drinks) and books.
Please do not leave rotten food, mattresses, crockery, children's toys, or other unwanted household items. These can be taken to Xtreme Zero Waste, Community House, or advertised for free on the Raglan Online Garage Sale page.
A special acknowledgement goes to Rose Wallis, whose many years of dedication and passion for the Aroha Pantry continue to inspire us all. Her commitment to giving without expecting anything in return has helped shape this wonderful community initiative.
Another sign will soon be added to the stand to share the story of this journey.
Together, let's continue to build food abundance and resilience in our community.
Plant a few extra vegetables, share your surplus and help ensure everyone has access to nourishing kai.
Take what you need. Give what you can. 💚