Fiordland Matariki Hampers bring joy to local seniors

In just three years, the Matariki Hamper project has become a community phenomenon in Fiordland.

The local community turns out in force and has taken Te Hau Toka’s initial wellbeing concept to new heights, providing seniors with a loving boost during winter and a warm, uniquely Fiordland reminder that they are a seen, valued and precious part of their community.

The delivery of the hampers - hand-made with love, imagination and local gifts - usually aligns with Matariki which is a time of national reflection, connection and celebration. 

However preparations begin months in advance, supported by Te Hau Toka’s wahine toa, Community Wellbeing Co-ordinators Anna Star and Alexa Smith.

Many volunteers are involved behind the scenes in the lead-up, either as part of their day jobs or as volunteers. This can be as a nomination collection point, generously donating community-raised funds or spending evenings knitting and crafting, growing the produce and practicing the recipes. 

The ‘hamper days’ are full of community spirit, camaraderie and fun. 

This year, 32 volunteers, from individuals to community groups like Fiordland Community Garden, Fiordland Community Kai and Age Concern visiting service, got together to cook, pack and deliver the hampers. Staff from Active Southland, Fiordland Community House, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust, and even the community policeman on duty, popped in to help between jobs. 

More than 200 hampers were produced over the two days and the joy and gratitude from the nominated recipients was overwhelming.

“A big Thank You to all involved in Matariki Kai…what a wonderful effort (again!) by so many of you in Te Anau, including our lovely Primary School children. What a bright and encouraging message from them to help us through these cold days we are having. How fortunate we are to be living in this wonderful village. Again, thank you all for your overwhelming kindness and generosity.”

“Thank you for the beautiful and generous Matariki parcel that we received yesterday. It is much appreciated and arrived just when I was ultra busy. Thank you. You are doing a wonderful job of keeping the older people connected and comfortable.”

“Thank you everyone, it was greatly appreciated by my father-in-law who couldn't believe the generosity of the community. Thank you so very much.”

The hampers were packed full of beautiful meals made by the Fiordland Community Kai group and Fiordland Community Garden along with the recipe cards; locally made soap by Antonia Croft and facecloths/dish cloths hand-knitted by local volunteers from the Creative Fibres group; locally made balms from Fiordland Botanicals or a lip balm from Visit Fiordland; local teas from One Eighty South; a seed of kindness/sunflower seed to plant from the Fiordland Community Garden; sweet treats from Masami’s Kitchen; a Matariki letter from a Te Anau School pupil; and either a salt dough star or a star card from Nurture and Bloom and Southern Stars ECE.

They also included information on the Five Ways to Wellbeing and wellbeing tips, a notepad, the local Seniors Gig Guide, an invitation to the over 60s coffee group, and information on Age Concern’s visiting service. Sponsored by the Hollyford Café, the food containers and hamper bags themselves were lovingly decorated by Fiordland Kindergarten children.

Te Hau Toka’s Anna Star is grateful to everyone involved and says that an unexpected flow-on effect has been the exchange of letters between the school children and seniors.

“The hampers have not only shown our seniors how much we care about them, it’s generated a wonderful local connection and sharing of knowledge and experiences between our younger and older generations.  There might even be some ongoing pen pals established!”

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers and the contributors which included Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, Meridian’s Power Up fund, The Grace Place, the Rotary Club of Fiordland, the Hollyford Café, and Wilsons Veges/Wilsons Produce, for helping to make this project happen.

Fiordland volunteers making Matariki Hampers