More than 60 restaurants across the country have joined this year's DineAid Christmas Drive to fundraise for those in need.
A small but perfectly formed group of hospitality legends have once again rallied to support those experiencing food insecurity, with 61 restaurants across New Zealand signing on to participate in the 2025 annual DineAid Christmas campaign, which raises money for the City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.
Now in its 13th year, starting November 1 and running through to December 31, DineAid works to connect those who can enjoy a meal out, with those experiencing food insecurity and seeking help at food banks and community kitchens.
Participating restaurants give diners the option to donate by either adding NZD 3 to their bill or by adding NZD 1-3 to a popular dish or cocktail, with all funds raised going to the City Mission closest to their city or region.
Thanks to sponsorship from Precinct Properties, one hundred percent of the funds donated by diners goes via DineAid to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch who in turn distribute food to more than 135 locations throughout New Zealand.
Last year’s 2024 Christmas campaign raised NZD 73,667.27, more than NZD 13,000 up from 2023, with the top 10 fundraisers based in Auckland and Wellington as follows and in order of amount raised. Hello Beasty (Auckland) NZD 5551.13; Queen’s Rooftop & Wineshop (Auckland) NZD 4620.52; Beau Ponsonby (Auckland) NZD 3574.80; Gemmayze Street (Auckland) NZD 3137.00; Ombra (Wellington) NZD 3108.00; kingi (Auckland) NZD 2670.00; Pici (Auckland) NZD 2646.00; Odettes (Auckland) NZD 2336.00; Kisa (Wellington) NZD 2302.00 and Ooh-fa (Auckland) NZD 2237.00.
Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised NZD 1,232,787.73 and hopes to be able to raise another NZD 80,000 by the end of December.
DineAid founder Mark Gregory said he and the team are enormously grateful to those who continue to support DineAid.
“We are heartened by the continued support of restaurants across the country, both long-time supporters and new participants, getting involved and helping with such grace and compassion,” said Gregory.
“A special thank you also to Precinct Properties for their generous donation covering administration and printing costs. Each year, with the help of these restaurants, through the Mission, we’re able to reach local communities in need. This year is no different. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, demand on food banks is higher than ever with food hubs reporting around 25 percent of the population facing food insecurity.”
Every single dollar donated during the annual DineAid appeal will help struggling individuals and families across the country.
Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner - Manutaki is grateful to have the ongoing support of DineAid and the restaurants who go the extra mile for those in need.
“Each year, DineAid connects the generosity of diners and restaurants with the people and families who are struggling most in our community. At a time when the Mission is continuing to see high demand for food support, this campaign truly makes a difference,” she said.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the DineAid team, each diner who chooses to give, and the participating restaurants. Your kindness directly helps those experiencing hardship and reminds us all of the strength of compassion and community.”
The DineAid annual Christmas Campaign runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025. For a full list of this year’s participating venues, see below or visit dineaid.org.nz.
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