Charities editor

Agricultural brand and charity unite to combat rising food insecurity in New Zealand

Community organisations, Food banks

As New Zealand households grapple with persistently high food prices and a growing food insecurity crisis, agricultural machinery leader Case IH has announced a significant partnership with the grassroots charity Meet the Need. The collaboration aims to bolster the supply of nutritious, protein-rich meals to Kiwi families facing hardship across the motu.

Under the new initiative, Case IH will donate $50 from every new tractor sold in New Zealand to Meet the Need. These funds will directly support the charity’s efforts to distribute quality meat and dairy products through its network of over 130 foodbanks and community organisations nationwide.

The partnership arrives at a critical juncture. Recent data from Statistics New Zealand has highlighted sustained increases in food prices, contributing to what many social agencies describe as an unprecedented demand for food assistance. For many whānau, essential protein sources like meat and dairy have become unaffordable luxuries.

Meet the Need, founded by farmers, operates on a model that enables the agricultural sector to contribute directly to alleviating hunger. Farmers can donate livestock, milk, or make financial contributions, which the charity then processes and distributes as food. Since its inception in 2020, Meet the Need has facilitated the provision of over 2.3 million meals, yet demand continues to escalate.

Zellara Holden, General Manager of Meet the Need, underscored the timeliness of the Case IH alliance. “Right now, food insecurity is rising fast – and for many whānau, meat and dairy are luxuries they simply can’t afford,” Ms. Holden said. “We’re proud to partner with Case IH, who share our belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Their support helps us deliver real meals to real families – and we’re calling on the rural sector to get behind us.”

She added, “We know Kiwi farmers are generous. Every animal, every litre of milk, every dollar – makes a difference.”

Case IH, a prominent brand within New Zealand’s vital agricultural sector, views the partnership as an extension of its commitment to rural communities and practical, impactful action. Aaron Bett, Business Director for Agriculture in Australia and New Zealand at Case IH, said the initiative aligns with the inherent generosity of the farming community.

“Farmers are already doing so much to support their communities,” Mr. Bett stated. “Partnering with Meet the Need is another way we can amplify that generosity – and help deliver food security for more New Zealanders.”

Beyond the financial contributions from tractor sales, the Case IH team will also engage in ongoing awareness-raising and fundraising activities to further support Meet the Need’s mission. The charity, whose tagline is “feeding hope, one meal at a time,” is encouraging wider involvement from the agricultural industry and the public.

New Zealand’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, and this collaboration highlights a growing trend of industry-led initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social issues domestically.

Further information on how to support or get involved with Meet the Need is available on their website, www.meettheneed.org.nz.