A second social supermarket aimed at providing affordable food with dignity has officially opened in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, established through a partnership between the charity Nourished for Nil and the grocery cooperative Foodstuffs North Island.
The Hastings opening at 506 Queen Street West follows the successful launch of Napier’s first social supermarket 18 months prior, a venture credited with supporting more than 3,400 families by offering choice-based food assistance.
Nourished for Nil, already established as the region’s largest food rescue organisation, identified Hastings as an area with significant need for accessible food support, noting that residents previously travelled considerable distances to its Napier facility.
Located near the charity’s distribution centre, the new store has been gifted the name Whare Whāngai – Māori for “a nurturing and nourishing place” – by prominent Māori language scholar Sir Timoti Karetu. The formerly vacant building has been repurposed into a welcoming supermarket environment.
The Hastings store operates under the same model as its Napier counterpart, allowing individuals and families to select their own groceries in a standard supermarket layout and pay only what they can afford. New World Hastings is providing ongoing support as the designated local “buddy store”.
Nourished for Nil Founder, Christina McBeth, confirmed Hastings was always part of the organisation’s long-term plan. “We’ve seen many people travel from Hastings to our Napier store, but the distance made it hard for some to access the service,” Ms McBeth said. “This new location will make it easier for families to get the support they need and strengthen our overall impact.”
Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island, which owns the New World, PAK’nSAVE, and Four Square brands, reiterated the cooperative’s commitment to the initiative. “We’re incredibly proud to open a second social supermarket with Nourished for Nil,” Mr Quin stated. “These stores offer more than just food — they provide dignity, choice, and connection.”
Nourished for Nil confirmed its traditional food bank parcel service will continue to operate alongside the new social supermarket model, broadening the scope of food support available in the region.
