Who We Are
The Ōtara Kai Village is an eco-friendly, multifunctional, and sustainable hub centered around kai (food), connection, and creativity. Our mission is to provide families experiencing food insecurity with dignified access to affordable, nutritious food within their community. By fostering mana-enhancing food distribution practices, we use food as a powerful tool to build relationships, understand the underlying causes of food insecurity, and connect people to local resources that address their specific needs.
We recognize the critical role of social connection in driving change. Food becomes the bridge to wider social, economic, and cultural opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. Ultimately, our model emphasizes person-to-person connections, with food serving as the catalyst—because food insecurity is about more than just food.
How We Operate
We source kai through partnerships with retailers and manufacturers, addressing surplus sustainably and securely. Our initiatives include managing a local community garden, collaborating with local growers, and supporting small businesses while promoting eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Profits are reinvested into sustaining the Village, creating employment, and supporting local initiatives aimed at improving community well-being.
Our current operations include:
- Social Kai Store: Housed in a repurposed 40-foot shipping container in the Ōtara Town Centre.
- Commercial Community Café: A space for local start-ups to flourish.
- Māori & Pacific Boutique Gift Store: Showcasing unique cultural items.
- Information and Advocacy Kiosk: Connecting people with essential services.
- Upcoming Initiatives: Outdoor niche markets and a new community garden in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Additionally, we organize social activations, workshops, and events throughout the year in collaboration with local service providers.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, we aim to create an inclusive economic model that supports marginalized entrepreneurs and newcomers in starting businesses. By focusing on localized economic development, we hope to generate both social and economic value.
Rather than endless resume-building, we emphasize teaching community members how to run small businesses—empowering them with greater independence, financial stability, and resilience. Our goal is to reduce barriers and provide a pathway for sustainable success, ensuring that wealth circulates within and beyond the Ōtara community.
Our vision also includes transforming underutilized community spaces. Thanks to Auckland Transport, our prime location in the Ōtara Town Centre serves as a gateway for public transport users and complements nearby organizations focused on health and well-being. Together, we’re animating this space to drive meaningful, long-term transformation for our community.