Spotlight on Wainuiomata Fruit & Vege Co-op

By Adrienne Newman, 30 May 2025

Nestled at the base of the Remutaka hills, Wainuiomata’s Fruit & Vege Co-op is proving that community power can flip the script on our broken food system. Every week locals pool their purchasing power, order wholesale produce straight from regional growers, and repack it into affordable, family-sized fruit and vege packs. For just $15 a pack you typically take home 3–4 varieties of fruit and 3–4 varieties of vegetables—always fresh, always seasonal, and consistently cheaper than the supermarket.

How it works

Order & pay by Wednesday 5 p.m. (internet banking or a cash drop-box at Valley Church).

Pick-up on Wednesdays please bring your own reusable bag or box:

Valley Church, 21 Fitzherbert Rd – 11:00-11:30 a.m. or 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Or by arrangement after hours

No long-term commitment is needed order as many packs (or skip as many weeks) as suits your whānau.

Powered by volunteers

Behind the scenes, coordinator Andrew and an energetic crew of volunteers unload pallets, sort produce and greet members with a smile. Their mahi connects the valley’s growers, schools, churches and households in a weekly ritual that keeps more than just costs down—it builds relationships and food resilience. “I am grateful we have our own co-op in Wainuiomata… It’s awesome to get good quality produce for a fantastic price,” says local member Katrina.

Why it matters

Wainuiomata is one of 40-plus hubs in the Wellington Region Fruit & Vege Co-op network, which now delivers affordable Hauora Kai to 1,100+ whānau every week. Collectively we buy in bulk, minimise transport emissions, reuse crates and keep food waste near zero—showing what can happen when communities, not corporations, set the rules of the food game.

Join the movement

Register at hauorakai.nz and choose “Wainuiomata” as your pick-up location.

Whether you’re after budget-friendly produce, a chance to volunteer, or a way to support local growers, the Wainuiomata Fruit & Vege Co-op has a spot for you. Bring a neighbour along next Wednesday—every extra order helps put even more kai into every pack and keeps our community thriving.

Want to know more?

Email: wainuiomatafruitveg.coop@gmail.com

Facebook: Wainuiomata Fruit and Vegetable Co-Op

Phone: Andrew 021 0866 5019

Good for growers. Good for community. Good for you.