Spotlight on a Member: Red Cross Meals on Wheels Service

The New Zealand Red Cross has been running a Meals on Wheels service since 1951. Originating out of a need to provide Canterbury residents with soup during a gas, coal and electricity shortage, the service soon grew, as Red Cross volunteers across the country started to respond to demand in their own regions. Food donations received were turned into nutritious meals and delivered to members of the community needing a helping hand. In 1973, local District Health Boards took over the preparation and cooking of meals and introduced eligibility criteria, whilst the Red Cross maintained the delivery service. Today, over 3,000 Red Cross volunteers deliver meals across 30+ locations in Aotearoa.

Kāpiti Coast is the largest area by volume, delivering some 25,500 meals to people in their private homes during 2024. Meals are prepared at the Kenepuru Community Hospital kitchen and distributed to hub locations across the Coast, where volunteer drivers wait to take delivery of hot lunches and deserts, checking their cargo against recipient lists and taking care to note any special dietary requirements.

The volunteers then fan out across Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae, delivering to local residents eagerly awaiting the arrival of a friendly face and an opportunity to have a quick chat – sometimes the only chat they will have with someone during that day. The time spent delivering meals varies according to the number of recipients and driving distances covered.

Emma, a volunteer who delivers meals with her support worker to Paraparaumu residents once a fortnight, tell us that their run of 15 meal deliveries in Paraparaumu takes about an hour and a half to complete. As a volunteering experience, Emma describes the activity as fun to do. She enjoys meeting nice people and checking to make sure they are ok.

The Red Cross is currently recruiting for friendly and enthusiastic volunteer drivers across Kāpiti. Candidates must have their own car, a valid driver’s licence and clear a police vetting check before commencing in the role. Volunteers are sought from all walks of life. The role may appeal particularly to couples, including supported volunteering candidates accompanied by their support workers, who can share driving and delivery. This opportunity may also appeal to young people looking to gain some experience in community volunteering. If you would like to find out more about the roles offered and how to apply, please click here.