Open-Air Community Meal Returns to Downtown Auckland
Published: Thursday 5 March 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s central city will become an open-air dining room this month as Everybody Eats hosts a free community meal in Te Komititanga, bringing people together to share a high-quality lunch made in part from rescued ingredients.
The downtown Auckland event invites central city residents, workers, visitors and people facing hardship to sit side-by-side at shared tables, demonstrating how surplus food can be transformed into nutritious meals that strengthen communities rather than ending up in landfill.
Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 650 people, with chefs and volunteers serving hundreds of plated meals, made in part using rescued food. Organisers expect another strong turnout this year.
More than one-third of food produced globally goes to waste, and in Aotearoa New Zealand a significant portion still ends up in landfill – even as many families struggle to afford food.
At the same time, one in four children in New Zealand live in households where food runs out, according to the New Zealand Health Survey commissioned by Health New Zealand.
“By serving high-quality meals made in part with rescued food, we’re reducing landfill waste and expanding access to nutritious food” said Amy Tew, General Manager of Everybody Eats.
“This event brings our kaupapa to life - a climate-friendly community-powered model where everyone has a place at the table.”
Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live, says, “Te Komititanga is a place designed to bring people together, and events like this create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in the heart of the region. Sharing food around a common table helps build connection and adds a real sense of vibrancy to the city centre.”
Amy Tews adds: “Holding this community event at Te Komititanga brings people together from all parts of the city. It gives us the chance to reach people we might not otherwise connect with. At the heart of it, we just want to serve a good meal and make sure everyone feels welcome,” she said.
Free tickets for the lunch are available through universe.com, with walk-up spaces set aside for those unable to book online. Attendees will also have the option to contribute to a pay-it-forward on the day - helping those less able.
This year’s event is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events, Auckland Live and the city centre targeted rate.
Event: Everybody Eats in Te Komititanga
Date: Saturday 28th March
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Cost: FREE, tickets available on Universe.
Location: Te Komititanga, Downtown
