The Generator, a Ministry of Social Development funded initiative that backs Kiwis in hardship who have a business idea, is delivered through a partnership between Vaka Tautua and Emerge Aotearoa.
During the COVID-19 response in early 2020, The Generator enabled people to support their communities by providing and delivering more than 13,000 emergency meals and 5000 veggie packs to those in need in greater Auckland.
Meal and vegetable packs
The Generator provided vegetable packs and cooked meals in partnership with;
- Generites Kai Sisterz (Caterers) and Peter Lilo (Courier)
- Balle Brothers, Hira Bhana family, RC Hari & Sons and Wai Shing Ltd (donating vegetables for the meals and veggie packs)
- Auckland Emergency Management and Foundation North (grants)
- La Valla (sub-let kitchen space at a reduced rate)
Below are video stories of the initiative and the outcomes achieved
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The Generator supporting Māori whānau, hapu and iwi to help their local community during the COVID-19 response
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A 90 second video was requested by MSD about how The Generator was enabling Pasifika helping Pasifika fono through the COVID-19 response. This was translated into seven languages and shown on Tangata Pasifika
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The Generator working with local growers, whānau and community to collect, sort and distribute donated vegetables as 1000 vegetable packs to those in need in Auckland
Feedback
“On behalf of the whānau that received these lovely meals- thank you doesn’t go near enough to expressing how grateful they are. We will never be able to measure the pressure that has been taken off them due to this kai koha but I am sure for some, it comes as a huge relief. Please also thank the Kai Sisters for us too - what amazing mahi they do.”
Raewyn Allan Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive Officer) Mahitahi Trust
“We would like to thank Emerge Aotearoa for their kind donations of meals and veggie packs. Feedback from all our families I have delivered to has been overwhelming. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Jean Areaiiti, Facility Manager, Randwick Park Community House
The feedback from those receiving the meals has been overwhelmingly positive.
