04 May New pātaka Māori supermarket to open in Kaitaia

Te Kahu Oranga Whānau and Foodstuff have partnered to open a brand new pātaka to create new choices and increase access to food for whānau in the far north. The new social supermarket, Te Hiku Pātaka, aims to open in Kaitaia later this month and will operate on a koha model.

Te Hiku collective chose the name “Pātaka” – which refers to a food storehouse or community pantry – to represent a place that replenishes local whānau and is contributed to by all. The kaupapa is all about nourishing whānau and communities while affirming the tikanga of growing, harvesting, gathering and sharing kai.

“This will be a place where our people can experience manaaki and be served and supported with dignity, respect and aroha,” said Phillip Murray of Te Kahu Oranga Whānau.

As well as enabling food security for whānau and communities, the initiative will also act as a conduit for other wraparound services. The opening of the pātaka has been a journey over many years and the group is looking forward to being able to serve the people of Te Hiku.

Te Kahu Oranga Whānau is a collective of Te Hiku iwi and Māori organisations including Waitomo Papakāinga Development Trust, Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri, Te Rūnanga o te Rarawa and Tuhiata Mahi Ora.
Learn more about Te Hiku Pātaka here.