40,000 meals donated as NZFN marks fifth anniversary
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from meat processor ANZCO.
Sanitarium has announced they will increase their donations to New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) by 50%.
Sanitarium has announced it will increase its donations of Weet-Bix to New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) by 50%.
The brand aims to help feed vulnerable communities and families facing food insecurity.
NZFN will receive 2.4 million breakfasts, or 99,144 packets of Weet-Bix, from Sanitarium throughout 2023.
Sanitarium NZ general manager, Robert Scoines, says that providing nutritious and affordable food for Kiwis has been the company’s mission and purpose “for generations”.
“The New Zealand Food Network does amazing work for communities and Sanitarium is proud to share in their journey to support those in need. It’s a partnership we value immensely,” Scoines says.
“Through our donation, we want to encourage New Zealanders to eat more nourishing foods like wholegrains, and in turn, enrich our local communities by providing healthy and familiar options, especially in times of need.”
NZFN says the act of goodwill is deeply appreciated as the food network makes its efforts to redistribute food to over 60 food hubs to reach communities across New Zealand.
“We are extremely grateful for this pledge and the wider ongoing support from Sanitarium,” says NZFN chief executive, Gavin Findlay. “It’s such a meaningful, active commitment and will assist greatly in scaling up our operations to feed those in need.”
“Now more than ever, we appreciate how Sanitarium is always quick to respond to unexpected events and donate additional products to alleviate some of the stresses communities are facing during these tough times,” Findlay says.
72% of NZFN’s recipient food banks and charities are feeding more people now than in December 2020.
NZFN’s recent food hub survey found demand for food support rise by 165% since the start of Covid-19 in January 2020.
“Receiving familiar household brands like Weet-Bix in their food parcels is reassuring and empowering to the Kiwis we serve,” says Findlay. “Even better, this food is not surplus, damaged, or nearing its expiry date. Instead, it arrives in perfect condition, gifted by Sanitarium in the name of creating a more food secure Aotearoa.”
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…