We’re grateful to Hauora Kai for posting the article below on their website. It really captures the heart of what we’re all about at Greenstone Doors: community, connection, good kai, and welcoming whānau. Have a read of the full story below, and check out their website here: www.hauorakai.nz

Nourishing Upper Hutt: Join the Fruit & Vege Co-op Whānau

By Adrienne Newman – 25/09/2025

Every Wednes­day in Upper Hutt’s Brown Owl, some­thing quietly joyful unfolds. At Green­stone Doors — a warm, wel­com­ing hub for whānau — crates of fresh sea­sonal produce are packed with care and purpose. This is the Upper Hutt Fruit & Vege Co-op, part of the wider Hauora Kai Col­lec­tive, and it’s here to make healthy kai acces­si­ble, afford­able, and community-powered.

Whether you’re a sea­soned veggie lover or just start­ing to explore fresh local produce, the Co-op is ready to welcome you in.

What is the Fruit & Vege Co-op?

The Hauora Kai Fruit & Vege Co-op is a com­mu­nity-powered ini­tia­tive offer­ing fresh locally sourced produce at just $15 per pack. Each week you’ll receive a gen­er­ous mix of 2–4 fruits and 3–4 vegetables—enough to feed your whānau, inspire your meals, and stretch your budget.

There’s no catch, no eli­gi­bil­ity cri­te­ria, no con­tract. Just good food, good people, and a kaupapa that’s good for growers, good for the com­mu­nity, and good for you. Sign up now at www.hauorakai.nz

Why Greenstone Doors?

The Upper Hutt Co-op is hosted by Green­stone Doors, a char­i­ta­ble trust that sup­ports women and fam­i­lies through preg­nancy and beyond. Their work is grounded in com­pas­sion, dignity, and prac­ti­cal support—from free baby cloth­ing and play­groups to coun­selling and connection.

It’s no coin­ci­dence that the Co-op lives here. Both organ­i­sa­tions believe in wrap-around care, in showing up for people during life’s big and small tran­si­tions. Whether you’re nav­i­gat­ing par­ent­hood, bud­get­ing for gro­ceries, or simply craving com­mu­nity, this is a place where you’re seen and supported.

Upper Hutt Pickup Locations

You don’t have to live in Brown Owl to join the Co-op. Packs are avail­able for pickup every Wednes­day from four con­ve­nient hubs, either 12pm–2pm, or by arrange­ment after-hours:
• Brown Owl–Greenstone Doors
• Upper Hutt CBD
• Silverstream
• Pinehaven

Just choose your pre­ferred loca­tion when you reg­is­ter, pay on Wednes­days, and collect your pack the fol­low­ing Wednes­day. It’s that simple.

Why Your Order Matters

Every pack ordered helps sustain the Co-op, support local growers, and keep this kaupapa thriv­ing in Upper Hutt. More members mean more vis­i­bil­ity, more impact, and more deli­cious kai reach­ing homes across our community.

Whether you’re brand new to the Co-op or one of our long-time sup­port­ers, your order makes a dif­fer­ence. It’s a simple act with pow­er­ful ripple effects—nourishing your whānau, strength­en­ing local food systems, and weaving tighter com­mu­nity connections.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should eat more veg,” or “I wish gro­ceries were more afford­able,” this is your moment. Join the move­ment. Tell your neigh­bours. Share the Upper Hutt Co-op Face­book page. And let’s grow some­thing beau­ti­ful together.

Ready to make a dif­fer­ence with your dinner plans? Reg­is­ter now at www.hauorakai.nz and choose one of Upper Hutt’s hubs as your pickup loca­tion. Your $15 pack is more than just produce—it’s a vote for com­mu­nity, health and hope.