A collective effort is bringing a much-needed social supermarket to Kaikohe, with Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services (NISS) working alongside key partners to support whānau facing economic hardship. In response to rising living costs, this initiative—made possible through collaboration between NISS, mahinga kai experts, and project coordinators—aims to provide relief through access to affordable kai, fresh produce, and wider community support.
The idea for this kaupapa was sparked by the NISS Community Connector, who identified the need to strengthen the existing support network in Kaikohe and improve access to affordable kai for whānau experiencing food insecurity. To meet this need, NISS proposed the establishment of a social supermarket alongside the development of a mahinga kai for the supply of fresh produce.
Completion of the mahinga kai development, led by mahinga kai specialist Paula Hohua alongside Fred Hohua, was celebrated on 19 December 2024. Their expertise has been instrumental in ensuring the Mahuru Mahinga Kai is not only producing fresh food for whānau but also serving as an educational space where taitamariki involved in NISS remand services and programmes can gain hands-on experience in kai sustainability. The mahinga also features rongoā plantings for healing and treatment, reinforcing its holistic approach to wellbeing.
The logistics and project coordination for the social supermarket have been carefully managed by Marlene Richardt of Kaupapa Collective Ltd, ensuring the premises, lease, and licensing processes run smoothly. Meanwhile, Shirleyanne Brown from WotMatters Ltd has played a key role in engaging with community and key local services ensuring the foundation of the Social Supermarket and other support offered is built on what matters to whānau and has the support of local services including key food networks in designing a sustainable operating model to keep the kaupapa thriving in the long term.
Renovations are well underway at the Social Supermarket site, located at 25 Raihara Street, with the grand opening scheduled for 30 April 2025. NISS, responsible for budget coordination, project monitoring, programme oversight, and whānau engagement, continues to ensure the initiative remains focused on delivering practical support to those who need it most. Donna Hulmes will oversee the supermarket’s day-to-day operations, including supplier relationships, staffing, and ongoing management.
The mahinga and supermarket are part of a framework that will include:
● Whānau space – a safe and inviting area where whānau can rest, enjoy a cuppa, and engage in kōrero.
● Mahinga kai – a hub for sharing and distributing locally grown produce.
● Kāuta – a learning space for sharing mātauranga about kai preparation and encouraging a love for healthy food.
● Pātaka – a social supermarket providing essential staples to support whānau experiencing financial hardship.
This initiative stands as a Tupuna led, whānau driven kāupapa , weaving together the threads of cultural pride, collective action, and practical support. As the work continues, it represents a powerful example of Ngāpuhi’s dedication to creating opportunities for whānau to thrive, strengthened by the collaborative efforts of those working behind the scenes to make it a reality.







