Foodbanks in Wellington have benefitted from a collaborative project involving the hunting sector, community organisations and local businesses.
Some 775 meals have been donated after the NZ Game Animal Council, Game Changer NZ, the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and Cameron Harrison Butchery came together.
“At a time when the cost of living is putting pressure on many households, access to high-quality protein can make a meaningful difference,” said Game Animal Council CEO Corina Jordan.
“New Zealand has a hugely valuable wild game resource. This project has shown how wild venison harvested by hunters can be transformed into nutritious meals for families in need. It is a great example of hunters giving back to their community by doing something they are skilled at and passionate about.”
The project was funded by Game Changer NZ through the Game Animal Council’s hunt-and-share meat platform. Wild Game Recovery Trust founder and chair, Wayne Langford, said the project proves the model’s efficacy.
“By bringing together community funding, skilled hunters, supportive butchers, foodbanks, and charities, we can turn a valuable wild game resource into high-quality meals,” he added.
“This project provides a practical model that can be replicated in communities across New Zealand, enabling more hunters and local businesses to make a meaningful difference.”
