Dave Letele’s foodbank rescued: 1000 Christmas hampers to be distributed to Kiwi families in need

• Dave Letele’s foodbank was saved from closure by donations from rich-listers, a church and the public.
• More than 1000 Christmas hampers and toys will be distributed to families in Auckland, Hamilton, Tokoroa and Te Kuiti.
• Entrepreneur Annette Presley and an anonymous donor contributed significantly, emphasising community collaboration and support.

Two rich-listers, a church and the New Zealand public have saved Dave Letele’s foodbank from closure – ensuring thousands of families will have a very merry and hearty Christmas.

This week, Letele’s BBM team will distribute more than 1000 Christmas food hampers and toys for each whānau they visit in Auckland, Hamilton, Tokoroa and Te Kūiti.

Dave Letele's foodbank has been saved from closure by donations. Photo / Dean Purcell

Two Auckland rich-listers, Annette Presley and another who wishes to stay anonymous, stepped in with significant donations to help the charity.

“We could not be doing this but for the support of Annette, and another amazing person who wanted to remain anonymous after reading the story in the Herald about BBM Foodbank being forced to close down our foodbank at Christmas for good,” Letele told the Herald.

Taulia Tafiti, the area humanitarian manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (centre) with Dave Letele (right) and BBM COO Fuatino Laban.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were also quick to see how they could help and we can also not forget the hundreds of New Zealanders who contributed to the Givealittle Page.”

The Herald revealed in October Letele’s foodbank would be closing down because of rising costs and lack of government funding.

The foodbank faced another setback in November when a large freezer storing tonnes of meat at his Buttabean Motivation Foodbank was deliberately turned off and a forklift smashed.

But enter the good Samaritans – Presley and the mystery rich-lister.

Presley, the well-known tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, said she wholeheartedly supported Letele’s vital mission to uplift New Zealand families and inspire young people.

Generous donor Annette Presley.

In addition to her financial contribution, Presley will provide ongoing hands-on support.

“I’m incredibly proud to support Dave Letele and his mission to create meaningful change,” said Presley. “Every family deserves to celebrate the holidays with dignity, and every child deserves to know their potential is limitless, no matter their circumstances.

“This initiative is about hope, inspiration and making a difference where it’s needed most.”

Presley praised Letele for his dedication to community well-being and emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving positive change.

By uniting resources and efforts, Presley believes initiatives like this can pave the way for a brighter future for Kiwi families and youth.

She also encouraged other Kiwis to consider donating where they can.

“Even small contributions can make a big difference. When we come together as a community, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and hope for those who need it most,” she said.

The second rich-lister’s donation was made through an intermediatory.

“A person contacted me and said he had a friend who wanted to donate $100k after reading the story in the Herald,” Letele said.

“Next day, the $100k was put into the account.

“I am just blown away by the generosity of so many and whānau who would have been doing it tough for Christmas will enjoy the festive season with good food and presents.”

Joseph Los’e is an award winning journalist and joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori Editor. Los’e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News newspaper covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and prior to joining NZME worked at Urban Māori Authority Whānau Waipareira.