New Pataka Kai in Karori

By Frank Neill

Karori’s new Pataka Kai is now open.

After originally opening on 2 June, high winds tore off one of the doors, meaning it had to close down again, to re-open on 11 June.

Located in Lewer Street next to the Karori Community Garden and opposite the Karori Bowling Club, the Pataka Kai is now open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

The opening is “very great news,” the Pataka Kai’s organiser Sharon Powick says.

“It has been really well received by the community.”

“It is easily accessible, and you can take what you need or leave what you can,” Sharon says.

“There are people in the community who will really benefit from this.

“My passion behind it is giving back to others and showing kindness.”

When she spoke to the “Independent Herald”, Sharon said that there were donations from people and that Karori New World – who have been “very supportive” of the project – had added to that, making sure the fridge was filled with food.

The opening has also been wel- comed by the Karori Community Centre’s Manager, Rubanna Adnam.

“It’s really heart warming to see,” she says.

One big advantage of a Pataka Kai is that anybody in need can take food. That distinguishes it from a food bank, where people have to register to receive food.

For people who are donating, not all food items can be left at the Pataka Kai. One example is that frozen food is not appropriate. There are guidelines on the side of the pantry which explain what people can and cannot donate.

The opening of the Pataka Kai has been possible thanks to significant grassroots community involvement.

“A huge shout out and thanks to our many supporters – New World Karori, the Karori Community Centre, SSS Media, Gamboni’s Deli, St Ninians Girl Guides, Foxtail Events Ltd, Wellington City Council, Jacqui Wight Jago, Paige Jago and Charlie Fitzgerald, Dan Clifford, Karori Community Garden, the Karori Bowling Club, Neighbourhood Support Group, the ‘I Love Karori’ admininstration team, ‘Out of the Box in Karori’ administration team, Gielie du Toit and Paul Stephens,” Sharon says.