Cooking up hope, one meal at a time

Thank you for making Cook Off 2026 an incredible success.

Thank you to all the senior business leaders, chefs, sponsors, volunteers, entertainers and everyone who donated to or supported The Cook Off 2026. Together, you created an unforgettable evening of generosity, connection and hope.

On Monday 8 June 2026, at the NZ International Convention Centre, passionate senior business leaders stepped into the kitchen under the guidance of renowned chefs to prepare a delicious four-course meal for more than 200 Mission guests. Most guests were people the Mission supports with housing, kai and access to health care.

More than just a meal, The Cook Off brought together business leaders, celebrity chefs, entertainers and the wider community to create a special evening for people experiencing the effects of poverty, including homelessness, limited access to health care and food insecurity. It was a night that celebrated dignity, belonging and the power of community.

At the same time, this incredible group of senior business leaders committed to fundraising to support the Mission’s community dining room, Haeata – and they delivered, raising over $412,000.

Haeata continues to experience significant demand, serving around 300 warm, nutritious meals every day to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and the senior business leaders wanted to make a positive difference this winter. 

Every meal shared and every dollar raised through Cook Off 2026 helped provide 25,000 meals at Haeata this winter, giving warmth, nourishment and hope to people across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Serving Up Hope in Haeata

Daily, nutritious meals, seven days a week. That’s our promise at the Haeata Community Centre, where all meals are freshly prepared onsite by a chef and team of volunteers.

For people experiencing homelessness or who can’t access cooking facilities easily, Haeata offers a safe and welcoming space for kai and connection.

Haeata is a space that’s grown to become a hub of activities and connection for street whānau. In additon to a warm and nutrious meal, people are able to connect with Mission staff who are able to link them with other Mission programmes including healthcare, housing, training and community activities.

Some people come to Haeata regularly, while others dip in and out – all are warmly welcomed to connect with each other and our team.

Thank You to Our Sponsors