Huaki “To bring to Light”
Edition 27
Friday, December 19, 2025
MANAAKITANGA IN ACTION: Christmas Kai Support for Whānau
T
his month, Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) delivered its Christmas Kai support response, working alongside trusted community partners to ensure whānau had access to kai and practical support during the festive period. For many whānau, Christmas brings added pressure. Rising costs, reduced income over the holiday shutdown, and ongoing impacts from recent years can make this time especially challenging. In response, NISS coordinated a kaupapa that prioritised manaakitanga, whānau choice and equity. Over the Christmas period, NISS supported more than 115 whānau across Te Tai Tokerau. Support was provided through a mix of kai parcels, vouchers and access to Whata Kai, allowing whānau to choose what best suited their needs, their size and their circumstances. The approach recognised that one solution does not fit all. Some whānau face access and travel barriers, while others require flexibility
around timing. By offering a range of options, including New World vouchers, Whata Kai shopping, and kai boxes, whānau were able to decide what worked best for them. This kaupapa was made possible through strong collaboration with local trusts and organisations. He Kete Kai Hokianga coordinated the Blessings in a Box kaupapa this year, supported by NISS and Te Putahi Nui O Rehua. Bald Angels Charitable Trust also supported whānau through their Christmas kai and gift boxes, a kaupapa grounded in manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. This work recognises the reality that many families go without food or gifts at Christmas, particularly in the current economic climate where inflation and reduced income continue to have an impact. In addition to planned allocations, NISS has ensured support will be available throughout the Christmas and New Year period, with offices closed only from 24 to 26 December and from 31 December to 2 January.
At the heart of this kaupapa is a commitment to manaakitanga and whānau wellbeing. By working collectively and centring whānau choice, NISS and its partners are supporting whānau through a time that can be both joyful and challenging, ensuring no whānau is left without support.