Goodman New Zealand
A major sponsor and founding partner of our Auckland branch, Goodman New Zealand not only helped us into our first container facility in Penrose but has since sponsored the use (and operating costs) of a distribution centre in Highbrook. We are so grateful for this level of support and for the awesome group of Goodman volunteers that help us out once a month packing and sorting food.
We spoke with John Dakin, CEO of Goodman New Zealand, to find out what inspired Goodman to partner with KiwiHarvest and help reduce food waste in NZ.
Can you please tell us a bit about your company?
Goodman is an investor and developer of urban logistics space. We are an NZX listed business with a substantial property portfolio exclusively invested in the Auckland industrial market. The portfolio encompasses around 1.1 million sqm of space and is occupied by more than 200 customers. Operating since 2004 we have a team of approximately 60 people.
Through our charitable foundation we invest in programmes and enterprises that aim to improve the quality of life, standard of living and health of the most vulnerable in our communities.
What made you decide to sponsor KiwiHarvest?
Food rescue was a new concept to us when we first met Deborah in 2014. As an industrial property business, we had little understanding of the volume of food going to waste or the level of food insecurity in our communities.
By collecting the good food destined for landfill and redirecting it to those in need KiwiHarvest is disrupting the status quo and contributing directly to better social and environmental outcomes.
These aims are well aligned with our own brand values, and it was an easy decision for the Goodman Foundation to become a founding partner and supporter when KiwiHarvest extended its services to Auckland.
What have been some key highlights of this experience so far?
Seeing the growth of the KiwiHarvest network and the variety of groups benefitting from its services has been a real highlight. The establishment of the container facility in Penrose was an early milestone, quickly followed by larger premises at our estate in Highbrook. The year-on-year increase in the volume of food being rescued and redistributed continues to impress.
As a business we also encourage our people to volunteer with KiwiHarvest, helping sort and pack fresh food in the warehouse. The popular monthly event provides a closer connection with the work of the KiwiHarvest team and a greater appreciation of the level of food insecurity within our communities.
KiwiHarvest understand the enormity of our food waste and food insecurity issues and are working to right the imbalance. The drive to do more is always there and they are incredibly effective at mobilising support from like-minded individuals and organisations. We’re proud to be associated with a social venture that is having such a positive impact in our communities.
Congratulations to Deborah and the Board, Gavin and the team, and all the volunteers on the anniversary - you’re making a huge difference.