Partner Spotlight: Community Link
Better Communities, Stronger Futures: Why Community Link is Sponsoring the Wao Food Resilience Tour Lunch
At Wao, we know that real change happens when communities come together, and we’re incredibly grateful to have partners who embody that spirit. Community Link is one of those partners. When we asked why they chose to be involved, their answer was simple yet powerful: because food is never just food. It’s security, connection, and dignity. Every day, they see first-hand how a parcel of fresh produce or a hot meal can be the difference between despair and hope. Their support for the Wao Food Resilience Tour this October reflects that same commitment, helping to build stronger, more connected communities where no one is left behind. Read on to find out more about thier mahi and our partnership at this years Wao Summit.
Food Resilience Day is on Friday, 31 October
Lunch catered by Fox & Badger
At Community Link, we believe that food is never just food. Food represents security, respect, connection but sometimes, when life delivers a curved ball it’s the difference between despair and hope.
Every week locals come through our doors, overwhelmed after a financial event occurs. Last week someone’s hours at work were cut, a tradie needed help because their ute needed mechanical repairs and they couldn’t work without it. Most hadn’t asked for help before, but the worry about how to feed families motivated a call to the Foodbank. Within an hour, we were able to help with a food parcel filled with fresh produce, pantry staples, and—most importantly—a sense of relief that they weren’t alone. Later, one of those clients told us it wasn’t just the food that mattered, it was the kindness and the feeling of being seen and respected.
These stories are just one of many we hold at Community Link. Every day we’re reminded that resilience begins at the ground level—family by family, meal by meal. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the lunch on the Wao Food Resilience Tour this October.
Wao’s Better Communities kaupapa is about creating the conditions for collective action, where people feel connected, empowered, and ready to shift the system. Their new Food Resilience Report makes it clear that we face big challenges ahead: our district currently imports 95% of its food, yet demand could double or even triple by 2050. Supermarkets carry less than a week’s worth of stock. In the event of a major storm or an Alpine Fault earthquake, shelves could be bare within days. Add to this the 122 tonnes of edible food wasted every week, and it’s clear—we need to act now.
Community Link is already part of the solution. Every day we see the human face of food resilience:
Our foodbank helps hard working local families bridge a financial gap. The foodbank is supported by our community garden, KiwiHarvest collections, local donations, and a strong partnership with New World Three Parks & New World Wānaka.
Meals on Wheels, delivered by a dedicated volunteer network, ensures those who cannot cook for themselves still have access to nutritious kai. One volunteer told us, “It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the knock on the door and the reassurance that someone cares.”
Our cooking groups and winter WānaSoup lunches bring people together to share recipes, learn new skills, and find connection over kai.
With Pantry Power, we’re helping families prepare for emergencies by keeping a stocked, ready pantry.
When “life happens”—whether it’s a lost job, an unexpected big bill, an illness or hospital visit, or something bigger, Community Link is here to help people through. And in partnering with Wao, we’re standing alongside others who believe stronger, more connected communities are the foundation of resilience.
Food resilience isn’t only about growing more kai. It’s about creating local, and reliable food system that supports everyone. It’s about working together , households, businesses, councils, and community organisations, to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
Together with Wao, we’re shaping a future where every person in our community has not just enough to eat, but the chance to thrive. Stronger communities really do build a better world.
And of course, food resilience is also about celebrating the joy of good kai shared together. That’s why we’re thrilled to have Fox & Badger providing the catering for the Food Resilience Tour lunch. Known for their creative, seasonal menus and dedication to fresh, local ingredients, they embody the very values this day is all about, connection, nourishment, and care for both people and place.
Join us at Food Resilience Day during the Wao Summit this October to be part of the kōrero, taste the future we’re working towards, and see first-hand how communities like ours are leading the way. Find out more and grab your pass here »