Who We Are…

The Good Works Trust was formed in 2012 bringing together two strands of community involvement:

The Shore Vineyard Church had operated a foodbank for around 20 years and The Devonport Network Trust, run by the former Harbour Vineyard Church, was formed in 1991 and did community works in the Devonport area including public events and shopping for the elderly.

The Good Works Trust now encompasses both those operations. In partnership with Social Service agencies and organisations including Te Puna Haurora, Oranga Tamariki, Hospice, Victim Support, WDHB, MSD, Plunket, Corrections, Ember, RESPECT, Pathways, Shine and many others, the Good Works Trust is committed to working towards a food secure North Shore.

Ellen Stewart, whānau support worker, Te Puna Hauora

I would like to express my gratitude for the Good Works Trust and their work. With their attitude they are indeed respected by the community, all of us here at Te Puna Hauora and whānau. They listen to our suggestions, acknowledging us as workers with vulnerable whānau and incorporate these appropriately, addressing all activities in a professional, respectful and gracious manner. They never lose their humanity balanced with integrity and a good sense of reality.

Roanne Stout, social worker, Harbour Hospice

Amazing responsiveness. Excellent communication. Good networking relationship within our community. No barriers. Very simple process to access support for clients. This is very important. It does not become a concern timewise for professionals to refer client and family. Equity is easy to achieve when access is smooth and straightforward.Respect and trusting our professionalism of identifying who are the people in need. Wishing more support system/agencies could take lead from how Good Work Food Trust operate and function. Mindful of peoples dignity. Feedback I have received from those who have received food donations –gratefulness and it has made a big difference.Compassionate and understanding a person/whanau may need greater than one-off. Flexible to adjust service to meet needs of people who were palliative with Christmas donation food package.Thank you for your valuable support.

Natasha Teinakore Tumuaki / Prinicipal Birkdale Primary School

The lunches provided by the Good Works Trust have significantly impacted the families they provide for. We have had families share their embarrassment of being unable to send their children to school because of a lack of food. The lunch packs sustain mana of whānau by taking away the stigma that 'having less' can sometimes bring. Attendance for students who benefit from the lunches has improved, with one child moving from 45% attendance rate last year to 80% this year, another from 42% to 77%. I believe having lunch like everyone else in their class has contributed to this improved attendance. We would very disappointed if these packs were to stop.

Deidre Anderson, support worker| North Shore, Victim Support

Since learning of the Good Works Trust foodbank, we have been able to quickly and conveniently source food for family’s in need. The parcel’s contain such excellent staples, fresh and nutritious goods which other food banks do not offer. Family’s, particular those with children, need more than tinned food and stale bread given at a time of need – and really provides more quality and nutritional goods than the standard banks do. We understand they are the only service on the North Shore including basis hygiene and feminine products, which is another huge cost for a family in need. The feedback from our clients is overwhelming around how helpful this service is for them.
— Deidre Anderson, support worker| North Shore, Victim Support