In 2020, the year that Kaiwhakangau was born.
also saw the launch of our not‐for‐profit arm, Kai Connect.
This initiative was founded with a clear goal: to empower local hunters by creating opportunities to supply venison for our Tairāwhiti food bank projects. As passionate hunters and dedicated directors, we love to put a lot of our spare time and energy into this work.
Since our inception, our team has contributed endless volunteer hours, each member paying their own way. Time, energy and the cost of their transport and ammunition.
By March 2025, our efforts had resulted in over 13 tons of venison provided to the community—each kg a mark of commitment and care.
Our impact reaches far beyond food banks, creating valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.
A local school benefits immensely by incorporating our meat into its lunch programs, and evening classes there invite parents to master the art of breaking down whole animals. Thanks to this collaboration, the school’s chiller remains fully stocked, ensuring that families receive quality meat all year round.
In addition, one of our directors works closely with the local Salvation Army. In their commercial kitchen, they teach essential skills such as deboning meats and crafting meat patties and sausages—empowering people to explore new culinary talents.
Kai Connect isn’t just about providing food; it’s a testament to our community’s passion, resilience, and willingness to support one another through shared labour and knowledge.