Last month a new initiative that aims to bring great tasting, healthy and culturally rich kai directly to the communities, was launched in the heart of South Auckland in the form of “Mā ngā hua, Ka Ora”; a shared food trailer created by the people, for the people. 

Led by local community driven champions, Papatūānuku Marae and supported by Nestlé, the partnership is a huge leap in removing systemic barriers that prevent access to healthy and sustainable kai.  

Hoping to make a meaningful positive impact across three interconnected areas: Kai Ora, Whenua Ora, and Whānau Ora – Mā ngā hua, Ka Ora, which means Cultivating together, we thrive, Papatūānuku Marae and Nestlé are perfect examples of just how far ground roots initiatives can grow.  

Anaru Ah Kew, Kaiurungi – The Cause Collective says being able to support initiatives that have the ability to serve communities immediately, but also the potential to grow from a regional approach to a national approach is a great opportunity.  

“We have been working closely with Papatuanuku Marae for a long time to help embed systems level thinking and to support the kaupapa they have been doing that has had huge benefits on the South Auckland community.  

“Seeing partnerships between Nestlé and Papatuanuku Marae is amazing. When large corporations see the value in grassroots, community level support systems and want to back that, it shows other industry giants how you can authentically and genuinely support kaupapa that values the people.”  

The Mā ngā hua, Ka Ora food truck is available to the community and will have healthy and culturally rich kai that can be found in the Kai Cafe at Papatuanuku Marae.  

“This is only one of the many services available through the Marae initiative and we can’t wait to share more and also continue to support a sustainable and beautiful initiative and community champaions – watch this space.”  

The Cause Collective and Healthy Families South Auckland is honoured to support the work of these groundbreaking initiatives and believe that when the mahi on the ground is given the chance to grow, our communities reap the benefits of the seeds that are sown. 

To support the kaupapa visit the Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae facebook page to get in touch with the team.