Mai Kai is more than a food initiative. It is a movement grounded in whakapapa, equity, and community power. We believe that kai is a connector of people, place, and purpose, and that everyone should have access to nourishing food systems that reflect their values and uphold their mana.

By joining Mai Kai, you are not just accessing kai. You are contributing to a collective journey towards food sovereignty, cultural revitalisation, and environmental sustainability. You become part of a kaupapa that centres whānau, uplifts Indigenous knowledge, and challenges the status quo of food inequity in Aotearoa.

Joining Mai Kai means being part of something meaningful, creating a future where kai is local, healthy, and shared. It's about connection and community.

Every fortnight, we curate a Kai Box filled with organic meat, dairy, fresh produce, and pantry staples. The week before, we share a digital packing list with all available ingredients and kai options. Members then make their own selections ahead of time, so each box is tailored to their whānau’s needs. This also gives them time to prepare and bring suitable packaging, like containers, bags, or boxes - based on what they’ve chosen.

On pack-out day, we set up a market-style stall at a local community venue, where all members come together for a focused ‘power hour’ of connection and contribution. Each session kicks off with a friendly check-in at the front desk, where members confirm payment, receive their packsheets and nametags, and note any job allocations. This is followed by a whakawhanaungatanga session, housekeeping reminders, and a “What’s in the Box” overview to introduce the week’s produce and supplies. A cooking demonstration then highlights how to use key ingredients, offering inspiration and practical tips, before members move into packing their boxes.  Pack-in and pack-down tasks are handled by designated members, but everyone is expected to contribute in some way, whether that’s helping pack or unpack, serving at designated stations, cooking demonstrations, or simply floating and supporting others who need a hand. Every small action helps keep the kaupapa flowing smoothly and ensures a welcoming space for all.