Take what you need, give what you can

PATAKA KAI: Vinson Parata (front) and Sam Moa of Sun UpCycle have set up their second food pantry down Valley Road. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Another pataka kai (community food pantry) has been set up in Tairawhiti for those in need and those who want to donate kai.

Not-for-profit organisation Sun UpCycle, created by Gisborne Boys' High students Sam Moa, Vinson Parata, Gareth Van Vuuren and Jayden Mihaka, is focused on creating community food pantries.

“Take what you need, give what you can,” is the message on the pataka kai at 35 Valley Road.

Sun UpCycle chief executive Sam says the pantries are the result of working at the Tairawhiti MenzShed.

“We are building a couple at the MenzShed. Another one is set to be released early next week in Kaiti.

“The roof panels were donated to us by a local builder and the rest of the materials were paid for by a $500 donation from Bunnings.”

“It is such a good feeling to feel supported by a big corporation like Bunnings and a local Tairawhiti builder.”

Sun UpCycle also continues to receive support from the Taiki E! impact house at Treble Court.

The first pataka kai set up at Sports Gisborne Tairawhiti has been going really well, Sam says.

“There has been a lot of food donated and people have been taking what they need. It is doing its job.”

Sam (standing) and Vinson are pictured at the Valley Road pataka kai.

Picture by Rebecca Grunwell