Kai Ora stall at Akatea St encourages food sharing

A new stand for sharing food and helping those in need has cropped up in Gonville - and all are welcome.

Korina Waitai is hosting the Kai Ora stand at her Akatea St property after her cousin's partner suggested the idea.

Kai Ora is currently stocked with fruit, veges and eggs and Waitai said anyone was welcome to take what they needed.

But it will also rely on people dropping off food and she hoped the community could support the idea by donating what they could.

"If you can afford to put something in that's fine, but you don't need to," Waitai said.

"It doesn't matter who you are, you're more than welcome to come and help yourself."

She believed there was a need for such a stand in the area.

"I really do. If it means they can put their money somewhere else, then why not.

"Veges are expensive. There's lots of families who really can't afford a lot so I just believe that they're welcome.

"Don't be shy. It's been donated and it's for anybody to come and help themselves."

Nelly Chamberlain, who has recently moved to Whanganui from Auckland, was one of the first on site when it opened on Monday and agreed there were people in need of something like Kai Ora.

Kai Ora - new stall for sharing food - has been set up outside Korina Waitai's Akatea St house. Photo/ Bevan Conley

"We did actually think that somebody should start something up like this."

Meanwhile, a similar give and take stand set up on Koromiko Rd in May has gone so well the woman behind it has upgraded to a more water proof shelter with a roof, now called The Sharing Shed.

Raewyn Sharrock has upgraded her Sharing Shed after a successful few months. Photo/ Bevan Conley

Raewyn Sharrock said it quickly became clear her stand - which has more than food - would be a success.

"We have some lovely people who are regular contributors and are really involved with it."

Sharrock said some days the turnover can be within hours but would like to see more food items donated.

"Everything that's in it can go and there's a whole lot of new stuff, especially if the weather is nice."