Waatea Marae’s “3 Days of Christmas” Brings Manaaki to South Auckland.
Demand for food support has surged at the Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA) as whānau across South Auckland struggle to make ends meet in the lead-up to Christmas.
MUMA’s foodbank has seen a sharp increase in requests for kai over recent weeks, reflecting mounting pressure from rising food prices, housing costs and ongoing cost-of-living stress. Staff and volunteers say the volume of whānau seeking help this Christmas is among the highest they have seen in years.
Many of those turning to the foodbank are working families who, despite being in employment, are finding their incomes no longer stretch far enough to cover essentials. Others include kaumātua, single parents and households supporting extended whānau, all facing difficult choices between food, rent, power and transport.
The surge mirrors a wider trend reported across Aotearoa, with Radio Waatea recently highlighting how foodbank demand is “going through the roof” as families struggle to cope with rising grocery costs and stagnant incomes. An article published earlier this month noted that for many whānau, food support has become a regular necessity rather than a last resort, even during what is traditionally a time of celebration and generosity.
At MUMA, the kaupapa remains grounded in manaakitanga and dignity. Whānau accessing support are treated with respect, and assistance often goes beyond food parcels, connecting families with health, housing and social services where needed. However, the growing demand is stretching resources and placing pressure on staff and volunteers.
Community leaders say the situation highlights deeper, structural issues. Annual food price increases, high rents and insecure work are combining to push more Māori whānau into hardship, particularly in urban centres like South Auckland where living costs are high.
With Christmas just days away, MUMA is continuing to call on the community, businesses and supporters to contribute kai, donations and support where possible. Staff say every contribution helps ensure whānau can put food on the table and maintain a sense of dignity during a challenging time.
As one MUMA worker put it, the spike in demand is a reminder that behind the festive lights and celebrations, many whānau are simply trying to get through the season – and will continue to need support well into the new year.
