Chris Morris decided the bad-news stories needed to stop.
"I got up on Saturday and read about a food bank in Wellington that had been ripped off - that was the start of it," he said.
Mr Morris, who owns Havelock North restaurant Pipi with wife Alexandra Tylee, rang Henare O'Keefe.
"He said he was going out to Flaxmere on Monday, so we thought right, we're in."
Mr O'Keefe, who is also a Hastings District Councillor, was making his regular visits with his Tunutunu - a large Te Aranga Marae barbecue where he hands out free food to help bring neighbours together.
The Pipi owners joined him in Flaxmere's Tarbet St in their mobile pizzeria truck last night.
"It's been a fun thing to do - the look on kids' faces when they find out it's free," Mr Morris said.
It was no paltry gesture - Pipi pizzas usually sell for $20 and they gave away 150.
The Pipi Truck is available for hire to cater for functions - a gas oven was imported from Italy and specially fitted.
"We thought it was time to spread a bit more Christmas cheer - it means we can have a glass of wine at Christmas with a clear conscience."
Mr O'Keefe said he was "all drugged up on goodwill" following multiple donations of Christmas toys and Tunutunu tucker.
"People really, really care. People who have no ties to Flaxmere are coming out of the woodwork and giving."
He said when he saw The Pipi Truck arrive "it brought tears to my eyes".
Emergency services, Salvation Army and council staff were also at the event.
"They are not being paid to be here - they just come to support," Mr O'Keefe said.
"If only we could all grasp the reality of giving without critiquing. If you give with an open heart you will receive in triplicate."