YOUR INDUSTRY
TONNES OF VEGETABLES PUT ON TABLES Words by Glenys Christian
Growers from around Auckland and Northland got together to support those in need over the Covid-19 lockdown period. And their gifts in many cases are still keeping on giving. For Pukekohe-based growers Hira Bhana, the call came from former All Black, Sir Michael Jones, now the chairperson of The Village Community Services Trust. “He rang up and asked ‘Bro, can we buy some vegetables?’ says Woodsy Bhana, one of four brothers and five of the younger generation of the family involved in the business. Their connection was well established through the company’s sponsorship of the Auckland Blues rugby team, dating back seven seasons. More recently they’ve sponsored the Auckland Mystics netball team. Last year alone he estimates they gave away 24 tonnes at the teams’ games, often with non-playing team members handing them out to the crowd. So Woodsy was quick to say that there would be no charge for the top quality produce he would be able to supply to the trust. Its mission is to support marginalised individuals and groups by providing programmes and services which give them hope and a future by maximising their potential. It focuses particularly on Pasifika and Māori communities.
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NZGROWER : AUGUST 2020
South Auckland growers a generous bunch – Woodsy Bhana (centre) with Eroni Clarke and Sir Michael Jones
“They had been giving out 200 food parcels a week but overnight that went up to 1,000,” he says. So the company quickly organised eight pallets of vegetables to be sent north to the trust’s Avondale base, including cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuce and potatoes. Then a further four pallets, this time of potatoes and onions. Put together with mince provided by a west Auckland Pak n’ Save store, there were filling meals ready and waiting to be prepared by grateful families. Other growers were involved as well. “Everyone realises what the world’s been through and we need to support each other. We’ll carry on and donate what we can. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. The south Auckland grower base is great – they’re a generous bunch.” Michael says the not-for-profit trust has been giving out food parcels for the last 10 years. “But the Covid-19 lockdown put a lot of pressure on and demand skyrocketed.” A lot of this came from what he termed the “new vulnerable” who had never had to tap into a food bank before, but now couldn’t make ends meet. “I was thinking of great Kiwis who have a real heart for their community and I immediately contacted the Bhanas.
