Simplicity Foundation's
Christmas Giving 2025

During the year, the Simplicity Foundation focuses its support on three core priorities: Thriving Te Taiao / Environment, Thriving Rangatahi / Young People, and Thriving Hapori / Communities. We know the holiday period can be a tough time for many, so at Christmas the Foundation focuses on organisations providing food, shelter and support to New Zealanders in need.

This year, the Simplicity Foundation is giving $600,000 to the incredible charities below. As a Simplicity member, you can vote for your top three groups from the following:

North Island Food Rescue

South Island Food Rescue

City Missions (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch)

Animal Welfare (SPCA and Pet Refuge)

Women & Children (Variety, Women's Refuge & Kindness Collective)
Summer Safety

Click the links above to read a short introduction from the charities in each group.


HOW THE VOTING WORKS

 

Your vote helps decide how much funding each group receives. It works like this....

1. Members vote for their top three groups.

2. Funding is allocated across the groups based on the share of votes each group receives.

3. The amount allocated to each group is then shared equally across the charities within that group.

And don’t worry - every charity listed will receive funding. 

North Island Food Rescue

Whakaora Kai

Food Rescue Northland have been operating since July 2017 and distribute to 40-50 organisations across Te Tai Tokerau. We are run by seven employees and many wonderful volunteers out of two sites, Whangārei and Moerewa, with strong support from our parent organisation, 155 Whare Awhina, and many other partners and stakeholders. We feel fortunate that we are able to do what we do, reducing food waste going to landfill and nourishing people in need. Learn more here.


KiwiHarvest Auckland

KiwiHarvest is NZ's largest food rescue, with five branches nationwide. Every year NZ generates around 60,0000 tonnes of good food that is unable to be sold and goes to waste. At the same time 27% of Kiwi children face food insecurity. KiwiHarvest Auckland’s 2  branches rescue over 200,000kg of surplus food each month, distributing it to 136+ charitable agencies from Wellsford to Pukekohe. We support these agencies, providing a lifeline to people in crisis. Simplicity's support, help us to meet the growing demand for food assistance, reducing waste and helping those in need. Learn more here.

Fair Food

Fair Food collects surplus fresh food and prepares it to be shared with community groups across Auckland. We provide support for families trying to make ends meet. We create purpose for volunteers who give us their time and inspiration for everyone wanting to minimise food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. We create hope for those who have escaped a traumatic situation and we help provide 80,000 meals during the holidays, so no one goes hungry at Christmas time. More info here.

Love Soup

Since 2013, Love Soup has rescued 15 tons of food weekly, turning waste into nourishment for those in need. Operating in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato, we distribute food to organisations, stock Pataka Kai Pantries, and provide community meals, school lunches, and support for the homeless. We also offer clothing, toys, and essentials to help people thrive. Love Soup embodies recycling, reusing, and redistributing—with a smile. Funds raised sustain our essential operations, bringing hope to our communities. Learn more here.

Go Eco Food Rescue (Kaivolution)

Go Eco Food Rescue (Kaivolution) was founded in 2014 to turn an environmental issue into a solution for alleviating short term food insecurity in our communities. We rescue and redistribute perfectly edible food from supermarkets, orchards, and food producers; partnering with community hubs who ensure the food is made available to whaanau without barriers or judgement, either at Free Stores or in community meals.   This year we launched our Crop Drop initative, which harvests excess fruit from urban backyards, reducing waste and increasing the volume of locally grown kai shared in our communities. To date, we have rescued nearly 3.4 million kilograms of food. Learn more here. 

Good Neighbour

Good Neighbour supports vulnerable people to build resilience and wellbeing by meeting basic needs and providing tailored, practical help. They bring the community together to solve local challenges — acting as the bridge between the resources that exist in the Western Bay and the people who need them. In the past year, Good Neighbour rescued and distributed $4.8m of food, cooked 14,000 meals, produced 400m³ of firewood, completed 165 practical projects, picked 31,000kg of fruit, supported 70 at-risk young people, and walked alongside 65 whānau in need — powered by 26,000 volunteer hours and impacting 7,500 people each week. As one recipient of a backyard project shared: “I had no one to help. Good Neighbour took that weight off my shoulders. Now I can breathe. I can heal.”  More info.

On The House

On The House collects good-quality surplus food and redistributes it for free to whoever needs it. We distribute in two ways: directly to families through regular pop-up free stores held at Community Halls, and to 65 community groups throughout Taranaki to support the work they do. Our over 130 active volunteers, embodied with manaakitanga principles, are helping to distribute over 20,000 kg into our community every month. More info here.

Gizzy Kai Rescue

Gizzy Kai Rescue Charitable Trust is working to tackle the impacts of food insecurity and care for the environment in Tairāwhiti. With a clear vision of No waste, No hunger, our dual mission is to nourish our community and minimise food waste. Since 2018 the Trust has rescued and redistributed over 300 ton of food. We distribute the food to sixteen community organisations. We have an established pool of rescue kai donors, a wonderful team of over 30 volunteers and operate seven days year-round. Your support for our organisation will be gratefully received. More here. 

Nourished for Nil

Hawke’s Bay’s largest food rescue, Nourished for Nil collects surplus food daily from supermarkets, growers, manufacturers, and more. Operating six days a week across seven venues, we provide food rescue services to the community – everyone is welcome to receive a bag or two of rescued food. We also run emergency foodbanks in Napier and Hastings and two Social Supermarkets, accessible via agency referral. With over 200 active volunteers, we diverted over 1000 tonnes of food from landfill in 2024. We have a  Social Return on Investment of 8.8, meaning that for every dollar donated, we create $8.80 of social value in the community. Our mission is heartfelt: reducing waste and supporting those in need. Learn more here.

Just Zilch

Just Zilch is about rescuing food, serving the community, and helping the planet. We do this by rescuing food from supermarkets, cafes, bakeries, manufacturers, producers, anywhere that food would otherwise go to waste. The food is then distributed to anyone who needs it through our free store. There is no criteria or means testing, anyone who needs food or wants to help the environment can come and get food. We also have a food hub from which we distribute food to community organisations. Since the beginning of our financial year (1 July), we have given away the equivalent of 1,199,759 meals both to individuals and community groups. More info here.

Kaibosh

Founded in 2008, Kaibosh is Aotearoa’s first dedicated food rescue charity. We operate 7 days/week across Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kāpiti-Horowhenua. With help from 250 volunteers, we rescue, sort and redistribute 65,000kg of quality kai each month to 164 community partners who are supporting people in need. Recently we have expanded our mahi to include rescuing fresh, seasonal produce direct from local growers and our new Kaibosh kitchens are creating soups, sauces, preserves and baking for our local communities. Ngā mihi nui to Simplicity members for your support of our mahi.

South Island Food Rescue

Kai Rescue

Kai Rescue has a big vision, no food wasted, no belly goes to bed hungry. Operated by the Nelson Environment Centre, 2025 was another remarkable year rescuing 199,755 kg of kai so far. That’s around 22 tonnes every month, enough for over 11,000 meals each week. This mahi is made possible by 5,210 volunteer hours and the dedication of our small staff team. Working with more than 50 community groups across Nelson and Tasman, we’re ensuring good food reaches schools, kindergartens, whānau support services and those most in need. We’re deeply grateful to Simplicity and its members for their ongoing support, our community would go hungry and food would end up at landfill without you. More here.

Kairos Food Rescue

Kairos Food Rescue is turning food waste into community nourishment. Rescuing over four tonnes of good food every day and redistributing it to 60+ local charities across Canterbury. With the help of 260 amazing volunteers, Kairos feeds thousands while protecting our environment. Your vote helps us keep good food out of landfills and get it to the people who need it most.  More info here.

Te Tai Poutini Kai Puku

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi – with your basket and my basket, the people will thrive. Te Tai Poutini Kai Puku in Hokitika is the West Coast’s leading food-rescue service, transforming food access and promoting sustainability. Since launching in August 2022, we’ve saved over 140 tonnes of food from landfill, providing nutritious meals to nonprofit and charitable organisations across Hokitika, Haast, Māwhera, Kawatiri, and Reefton. Our mission is simple: no food wasted, everyone fed. Join us in building a sustainable, equitable food system for the West Coast. Learn more here.

Satisfy Food Rescue

Satisfy Food Rescue makes a big impact across North Canterbury and Christchurch. Each weekday, their team rescues surplus food from businesses, preventing it from becoming waste and distributing it to people in need through their recipient partners. They distribute an average of 38,000 kg of food monthly - equivalent to 85,000 meals - supporting 50+ organizations and reaching over 200,000 people annually, from Christchurch to Kaikōura. This small charity is creating lasting change through its dedication to reducing waste and feeding those in need. Learn more here.

KiwiHarvest Otepoti/Dunedin

KiwiHarvest Otepoti/Dunedin's branch rescues and delivers good surplus food to 53 charitable agencies, enabling them to provide much needed food support to the families struggling with food insecurity. KiwiHarvest Dunedin is the only food rescue charity in Dunedin and has grown volumes by 36% in the last year, rescuing and delivering over 300,000 kgs. This critical food support allows the charities we work with, to provide much needed food assistance to families struggling with food insecurity, providing a hand up during a critical time in their lives. The support from Simplicity will provide much needed funding and allow us meet more of the growing demand for food support. More here. 

KiwiHarvest Muruhiku/Invercargill

Our KiwiHarvest Muruhiku/Invercargill provides an essential free service, rescuing good surplus food before it goes to waste and delivers this to 36 charitable agencies across Southland. KiwiHarvest Invercargill branch is the only food rescue charity in Invercargill and has grown volumes by 26% in the last year, rescuing and deliver over 280,000 kgs This is an essential service that helps feed families in need. Support from Simplicity will provide much needed funding and allow us meet more of the growing demand for food support. More here.

City Missions

Auckland City Mission

Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai supports many thousands of people in greatest need at Christmas and year-round. For over 105 years, the Mission has helped people – today focusing on access to food, housing and healthcare. This Christmas, with our partners, we expect to distribute thousands of boxes of food that include festive treats and tens of thousands of gifts to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to celebrate the day, while also opening our doors on Christmas Day for a special festive morning meal. Thank you for helping us help Aucklanders in need. More here.

Wellington City Mission

Since 1904, the Wellington City Mission has supported individuals, families, children, and elders in overcoming challenges and enhancing well-being. Whakamaru, our 24/7 community hub, expands this mission with 35 youth transitional housing apartments, a medical centre, laundry and shower facilities, a sacred space, and the Social Supermarket. It’s a welcoming space where everyone belongs. A pay-what-you-can cafe and versatile collaborative spaces focus connection and create a community where Wellingtonians unite to care for one another. Alongside Whakamaru we also have five other transitional/permanent housing sites across the Wellington region. More info here.

Christchurch City Mission

The Christchurch City Mission’s services are needed more than ever at Christmas. In the week before Christmas, our foodbank will feed over 6,000 people with 1,600 special Christmas food parcels. On top of providing food for 300 people daily, our addiction counsellors, financial mentors, social workers, and community connectors will support hundreds more during this stressful season, especially those struggling to get by. The rising cost of living has deeply impacted our community, and your support helps us assist those in need. Thank you for your support. Learn more here.

Animal welfare

Pet Refuge

Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter and care for pets while their families escape family violence and enter emergency housing, where pets are often not allowed. Pets are later reunited with their families to begin new safe lives together. Too often, pets are harmed or threatened to control family members—causing over 50% of families to delay leaving violence to protect them. Pet Refuge removes this barrier by providing safe shelter, transport, vet care, food, and enrichment. With the holidays bringing increased violence and costs, your support helps us say “yes” to every pet and family in need. Learn more here.

SPCA

SPCA cares for over 30,600 animals nationwide each year, touching the lives of 200,000 people. Behind these numbers are stories of resilience and hope - helping animals affected by domestic violence, health crises, natural disasters, and neglect. With 5,000 volunteers and foster carers, SPCA gives animals a second chance at life. Pets adopted through SPCA become family, bringing purpose and comfort to the elderly, connection to the lonely, and unconditional love to those facing challenges. Thank you for supporting SPCA. Together, we give animals the safety, love, and forever homes they deserve. Learn more here.

Women & Children

Variety

For over 37 years, Variety – the Children’s Charity, through the generous donations of donors like Simplicity, has been improving the lives of children and their caregivers living in poverty across Aotearoa New Zealand. The incredible support our amazing donors empowers children by giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, in health, education and well being. Nearly 99% of Variety Sponsorship Caregivers reported feeling better supported due to Variety funding. However, as we approach the end of the year, we are preparing for one of the leanest Christmas periods. Children are writing to Santa – asking not for toys but simply for food. Your kind support will help bring the magic of a Christmas meal to the 1 in 4 Kiwi kids who just want food this Christmas.Learn more here.

Kindness Collective

The Kindness Collective is a nationwide charity connecting children and families in hardship with essentials and moments of joy. Supporting over 120,000 people annually through five programmes, they partner with police, hospitals, schools, refuges, and social services to help children thrive. The Collective has brought Christmas magic to 60,935 children, and in 2020, they launched the Christmas Joy Store - NZ’s first social toy store - giving children gifts and food and families the dignity of choice. Learn more here.

Women's Refuge

Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s largest organisation supporting women and children experiencing family violence, operating through 41 refuges nationwide. Each year, we receive 50,000 referrals, and tragically, 1 in 3 women in NZ will face abuse in their lifetime. Our advocates provide holistic support, including safe accommodation, healthcare access, counseling, legal aid, protection orders, budgeting advice, and more. We also help meet basic needs like food, clothing, and funding activities for tamariki, empowering women to rebuild their lives. Generous support from New Zealanders and partners like the Simplicity Foundation makes this work possible. Learn more here. 

Summer Safety

Surf Life Saving New Zealand

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is a charity that’s been saving lives for over a century. Every year, its 4,500 volunteer surf lifeguards patrol over 90 beaches from Northland to Southland, saving an average of 1,000 people from life-threatening situations. SLSNZ also provides emergency search and rescue services, coastal safety assessments, public education, and beach safety programmes that help keep our communities, especially our tamariki, safer at the beach.  A donation from the Simplicity Foundation will make a direct difference – helping SLSNZ train, equip and support our volunteers so beachgoers can stay safer at the beach with their friends and whānau. More info here.

Water Safety New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand uses data science, leadership, education, and advocacy to reduce the burden of drowning in Aotearoa. Since 1949, the charity has worked with other safety organisations, government, and communities to help Kiwis be safe in, on, and around water.

A donation from Simplicity members will provide water survival education to thousands of school children. More than 130,000 Kiwi kids have never had access to any form of water safety education. This summer Stuff Group decided to help Water Safety New Zealand change that. Every dollar donated to the Life Savings initiative provides Water Skills for Life lessons to school children in New Zealand’s most vulnerable communities. More info here.