Anyone can join Mai Kai.

However, membership means committing to the full ‘power hour’ of the cohort’s dedicated packing time, as well as contributing time back to the kaupapa.

This contribution might be through sharing skills arranged with Mai Kai or by helping with set-up and pack-down on a rotating basis.

It’s this collective effort that makes the mahi possible and ensures everyone continues to have access to quality organic kai.

Sessions run fortnightly at the following times and places:

• Napier (Cathedral lane) 4:30pm Wednesday
• Hastings (Equippers Church, Frimley) 3:15pm Thursday
• Hastings (Equippers Church, Frimley) 4:45pm Thursday
• Hastings (St Martins Community Hall, Mayfair) 3:15pm Friday
• Hastings (St Martins Community Hall, Mayfair) 4:45pm Friday

More info on Hastings sessions coming soon!!

Contact Us to ask about a trial session or go to Membership to sign up now.

Each Mai Kai session includes a ‘Power Hour’, a hands-on time where we deliver the educational component and pack the boxes together.

By subscribing, you're committing to attending and participating in this full hour each time.

In addition, we rely on volunteers to help with set-up and pack-down. We ask that members lend a hand with this extra mahi whenever they’re able. It’s what keeps Mai Kai running strong.

That’s absolutely fine, we just ask that you let us know at least 72 hours in advance if you can’t make it so we can either arrange someone to assist in packing your box or cancelling your order altogether.

Accurate numbers help us plan better, minimise waste, and keep the cost of each Kai Box as low as possible for everyone.

Each Mai Kai box includes a rotating selection of organic wholefoods. From fresh meat, milk, cheese and vegetarian proteins to alternative milks and pantry essentials.

You’ll find staples like flour, salt, pepper, spices, grains, nuts, seeds, sugar, honey, and the crowd favourite: peanut butter to choose from each session. Every item is carefully chosen for quality, nutrition, and value so you can keep your pantry full with kai you can feel good about.

See actual grocery lists here!

Mai Kai is a kaupapa-led, not-for-profit social enterprise working to make high-quality, organic, nutrient-dense food accessible to all regardless of income. As such, payment is structured according to the below circumstances:

• $75- Half sized box for smaller households

Suitable for 1-2 people.

• $100- For those that can demonstrate they are a MSD registered beneficiary.

We may ask for confirmation of your beneficiary status.

• $125- For those feeling the squeeze.

If you're a household raising tamariki and making cuts elsewhere in your life to manage the rising cost of living — this tier is for you.

• $150- For those who can pay it forward.

If you have regular income, enjoy coffee and kai out, take the odd holiday and are able to contribute to a savings account — this tier is for you. It still offers excellent value, but helps us cover operating costs and support other whānau.

• An additional 4 choices from the pantry staples list = $25.
• An additional portion of each vegetable option = $30
• An additional portion of each fruit option = $12.50

Mai Kai is not for profit, paying the correct tier is what keeps this kaupapa alive.

Everyone receives great value and nourishing kai, but it’s the contributions made through the Koha Tier that sustains Mai Kai and helps us grow, reach more whānau, and uphold the kaupapa. We ask that you honestly appraise your situation and contribute if and when you can.

In keeping with the kaupapa of Mai Kai and our vision for a thriving community food system, the Kai Box isn’t something you just collect — it’s something you help create.

Access to a box means showing up for the pack-out session and contributing a little time, usually through set-up or pack-down. It’s this shared mahi that keeps the cost low, the quality high, and the community strong.

If you’re unable to help at your current cohort time, please let us know and we’ll help you find a session that better fits your schedule or a way you can contribute at a time that suits you.

A core pillar of Mai Kai’s kaupapa is supporting small-scale, local producers. Wherever possible, we prioritise locally grown and made products to strengthen our regional food economy and uphold our values of food sovereignty and sustainability.

When we do need to include imported items — such as grains or pantry staples — we work with trusted organic distributors like Chantal Organics and Ceres Organics, who have strong, transparent relationships with ethical producers abroad.

You can learn more about our producers on the Supplier Page

Mai Kai also hosts a koha table at every pack-out. This is a space for members to share any homegrown surplus — whether it’s fruit, vegetables, herbs, or foraged goods. It’s a beautiful way to add value, share abundance, reduce waste, and nourish our wider community.

Each cohort runs on a fortnightly schedule. To find yours, please visit our register page to view our current locations and times to find one that works for you.

We know every household is different — some are feeding a big whānau, others just one or two. That’s why we offer a few flexible options to help make the box work for you:

• Larger households: Some whānau purchase multiple boxes to ensure there’s enough kai — this gives you more choice and can be arranged easily with the Mai Kai team.
• Pantry Add-On ($25): Add an extra 4 pantry items to your box for just $25 per session. Great if you want to stock up or need more of the staple goods.
• Vegetable Add-On ($30): Add an extra portion of each vegetable option available.
• Fruit Add-On ($12.50): Add an extra portion of each fruit option available.
• Half Box Option ($75): Designed for smaller households, this includes meat options, and half portions of the produce and pantry selections.

Let us know what works for you — we’re here to make sure every household gets nourishing kai that suits their needs.

At Mai Kai, we know that wholefoods can take a few more steps in the kitchen — and not everyone has that knowledge yet. We also believe that everyone can be growing some of their own kai, no matter how much (or little) space they have.

That’s why knowledge sharing is at the heart of our kaupapa. At every pack-out session, we share tips on how to grow the māra kai and how to cook something from the box. Whether it’s a quick kitchen hack, gardening insight, or wisdom passed between whānau, it’s all part of building a resilient and connected food community.

We also run regular hands-on workshops to dive deeper into topics like cooking with whole ingredients or starting a backyard māra — especially for those who need a little extra support to get growing.

In the meantime, check out our Recipe + Growing Guide for practical tips, inspiration, and ideas on how to use or grow key ingredients in your box.