Ten years ago, nobody could have predicted where a simple conversation about baking muffins would lead.
What began with two women listening to people in their community has grown into a kaupapa that has supported people to build confidence, connection and new opportunities. Those who gathered recently to celebrate WELLfed's tenth birthday were clear about one thing: this story was never just about food.
It’s a story about relationships.
Founded by Kim Murray and Rebecca Morahan, WELLfed started with a simple idea. They saw a need, believed something could be done, and took the first step. What followed was not the work of any one person or organisation, but the collective efforts of learners, volunteers, funders, community groups, schools, iwi, social services and local champions who shared a belief that people thrive when they are supported with dignity and practical opportunities.
Gathered at Holy Family School in Cannons Creek to mark the milestone, speakers reflected on a decade of growth, not just for WELLfed itself, but for the many people whose lives have been touched along the way.
Ngāti Toa Rangatira Pou Tikanga Dr Taku Parai spoke about the rich history of the area, recalling how knowledge about finding and growing kai was passed from one generation to the next. His reflections highlighted the natural connection between place, people and food, and why it feels fitting that WELLfed's story began here.
Today, that connection takes practical form through education programmes including Pēpē me māmā classes, diabetes education, rangatahi classes gardening in the māra kai (food garden), and learning life skills. Besides supporting people to build confidence and a sense of belonging, the māra kai also serves as a living classroom for local schools.
Co-founder Kim reflects on what the past decade has meant, and why WELLfed needs to keep adapting.
“The kaupapa has been about nurturing through food and relationships. The ripple effect is real and we look back with enormous pride,” Kim says.
“And this kaupapa is more important now than it’s ever been. More women are experiencing family harm, more whānau are living in cars and more people need support – as our community grows and changes, we know we have to do better. Our focus is on growing our ability and having more opportunities for the people we walk alongside.”
Around 60 percent of WELLfed’s staff are former learners, according to the organisation. Many now help others on the same journey, having developed new skills, discovered strengths they didn't know they had and taken steps towards employment, education and leadership.
The event featured powerful stories from graduates who shared their experiences since walking through WELLfed's doors.
For Shane, it started with a chance conversation and a gentle nudge from a friend. What followed was more than a job opportunity with the māra kai. It was a chance to rebuild confidence and discover a passion for helping others.
“It was a bit of me stepping up, but I had the tools they gave me to be able to give back. I’ve fallen in love with helping people. I’ve been able to lift myself, and help people,” reflects Shane.
For Orion, a young widow raising five children, WELLfed provided practical skills and support at a time when she needed it most. The confidence she gained helped her start a food business and pursue a nursing career, graduating as a registered nurse.
“WELLfed did not just teach me how to cook, they taught me how to stand up. The courage I got from that experience started something I look back on and think it was a necessary step. It was the courage to dream bigger,” says Orion.
Their stories are reminders that meaningful change often begins with something small: a conversation, an introduction, an invitation or a shared meal. From there, possibilities can grow.
Speaking on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Steven Johnson reflected on the long-standing relationships that have shaped the community, and how WELLfed has built on those connections to create opportunities and friendships.
“Growing up in Cannons Creek I’ve always had a sense of belonging as I’ve always known the strength that we have in a community such as this. It’s remarkable what WELLfed has been able to do here, it shows that kai is more than just food. The real measure isn’t just the classes delivered or the food grown, it is the empowerment that has changed people’s lives,” says Steven.
“This is a good example of what we can achieve when we work together while supporting our people in our communities. This is how the Rūnanga works which is very important to us.”
As Steven points out, these relationships continue to be critical today because no single service can meet all the needs of whānau on its own. Across Porirua, communities, iwi, schools, social services, health providers, funders and local leaders increasingly recognise the importance of working together, each contributing their part to the kaupapa.
WELLfed's journey shows what can happen when that collaboration is sustained over time.
From a batch of muffins shared between neighbours to a kaupapa that now helps people build life skills, confidence and brighter futures, the impact has rippled far beyond the kitchen.
Ten years on, the real measure of success is not simply the number of meals cooked or classes delivered - it is the relationships formed, the confidence restored, the opportunities created and the pathways opened for people to imagine a different future for themselves and their whānau.