We've recently installed a new billboard at the front of Wesley Methodist Church in Wellington’s Taranaki Street promoting community power over supermarket power to combat rising household costs.
It replaces a heavily graffitied billboard which had been on the site since 2012.
“Things had got a bit out of hand with the old billboard so we’re pleased to have finally got a new one!” says our Director David Hanna.
The new billboard, which was “opened” on May 7 by Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul and blessed by Rev Suiva’aia Te’o, was put up to officially launch Kai Ora Collective – previously known as Wellington Fruit & Vege Coops. The Collective has also released a video promoting its work.
The Collective provides fresh, affordable, local produce to communities in the greater Wellington region (including the Wairarapa) every week. It’s run as a partnership between Wesley Community Action and Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora.
Every week volunteers help pack fruit and vegetables at 10 packing hubs and deliver them to 39 pick-up locations.
Members pay $15 for a weekly fruit and vegetable pack.
“The Collective is all about the power of community,” says Makerita Makapelu, our Innovation Team Leader. “It’s made possible by many wonderful volunteers giving their time generously to support their community.”
She says the produce is always cheaper than the supermarket. A recent price comparison found that the contents of a $15 pack would have cost $24 at a supermarket.
“With rising fuel prices eating into people’s household budgets and driving costs up that makes fresh produce more affordable for whānau doing it tough.”
The Collective has recently introduced a popular online ordering system at two of its hubs which means people can choose their own produce. It’s hoped that eventually this will be available at other packing hubs.
Makerita says the Collective is about more than just saving money. It’s also about building a sense of community and developing a local food system that supports whenua, growers, and whānau.
“At Wesley Community Action we believe that real change happens when it is led by the people wanting change. We’re committed to moving away from traditional charity model of “doing to” people to supporting people “to do” – rangatiratanga in action.
“Kai Ora Collective is a great way for communities to support each other and take action to make life better.”