A small but perfectly formed group of hospitality legends have once again rallied to support those experiencing food insecurity, with 61 restaurants across Aotearoa 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 13^th year, starting on 1 November, and running through to 31 December, 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 $3 to their bill or by adding $1-3 to a popular dish or cocktail, with all funds raised going to the City Mission closest to their city or region.

100% of funds donated goes to City Mission

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 Aotearoa.

Last year’s 2024 Christmas campaign raised $73,667.27, more than $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) $5551.13; Queen’s Rooftop & Wineshop (Auckland) $4620.52; Beau Ponsonby (Auckland)  $3574.80; Gemmayze Street (Auckland) $3137.00; Ombra (Wellington) $3108.00; kingi (Auckland) $2670.00; Pici (Auckland) $2646.00; Odettes (Auckland) $2336.00; Kisa (Wellington) $2302.00 and Ooh-fa (Auckland) $2237.00.

Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised $1,232,787.73 and hopes to be able to raise another $80,000 by the end of December.

DineAid supporter Precinct Properties

DineAid founder Mark Gregory says 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.

“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% of the population facing food insecurity.

“Every single dollar donated during the annual DineAid appeal will help struggling individuals and families across Aotearoa.”

Participating restaurants going the extra mile to support

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.

“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, visit dineaid.org.nz. 

If you’re interested in having your venue take part, email: sophie@dineaid.org.nz.

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It’s been another challenging 12 months for the hospitality industry, but more than 50 of the top restaurants throughout the motu have signed on to participate in this year’s annual DineAid Christmas campaign to raise money for the City Missions in the lead-up to Christmas.

From 1 November until 31 December, participating restaurants will give diners the opportunity to donate by either adding $2 to their bill or by creating a DineAid special on the menu, with $2 from every dish purchased going to the City Mission closest to their city or region. One hundred percent of the money raised by DineAid goes to City Mission food banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Last year’s Christmas campaign raised $47,629. The charitable trust also raised more than $50,000 for those severely affected by the February floods, which pushed it past the magic million dollar milestone. Since its inception in 2012, the DineAid New Zealand Charitable Trust has raised $1,039,120.46 and hopes to be able to raise another $60,000 by the end of December.

This year 53 venues have signed on, including 2022’s top 10 fundraisers. Those top fundraisers by region in 2022 were Auckland: Cassia, Gemmayze Street, Lilian, Poni, The Oyster Inn; Wellington: Kisa, Logan Brown, Ombra; and South Island: Cucina and Riverstone Kitchen, both in Oamaru.

DineAid founder Mark Gregory says he’s acutely aware this year’s significant cost of living increases have made it one of the toughest for many, including the most vulnerable members of communities throughout the country.

“As we look toward Christmas, it’s the perfect time of year to add a voluntary $2 to the table bill when dining out this festive season. For those who can, we appreciate your kindness and thank you for your support with the annual DineAid Christmas campaign.

“Amazingly, the generosity of Kiwis has helped DineAid raise more than $1 million in gold coins to date and that makes a real difference to the foodbanks throughout New Zealand, which urgently need funds to help provide their local communities with food boxes.”

As Christmas approaches, Helen Robinson, Auckland City Missioner – Manutaki is grateful to have the support of DineAid again this year.

“We are constantly humbled by the generosity of the hospitality industry and its diners. Knowing that every year DineAid continues to support people in greatest need is a show of solidarity that is deeply appreciated.”

Helen says that the Mission will – as always – do their very best to support families struggling at Christmas but acknowledges the cost of living crisis is impacting many people who would ordinarily be able to donate, meaning DineAid is even more important this year.

“DineAid makes it easy for people to stand with those in need and show their support by making a small addition to their bill when dining out. In a way, every donation sets another place at the table for a family in need this Christmas. My thanks goes to every person who can contribute in this way and to all of the DineAid restaurateurs who make it possible.“

The DineAid annual Christmas Campaign runs from November 1 to December 31, 2023. For a full list of this year’s participating venues please visit dineaid.org.nz.

DINEAID is a charitable initiative started over nine years ago by a small group of caring New Zealand restaurateurs to give a helping hand to New Zealanders in need.

Since DINEAID was launched, restaurants and cafes have raised and distributed more than $630,000.

Each year, during November and December DINEAID raises money through participating restaurants across New Zealand by either:

• Adding a voluntary donation of just $2 per table to the customer’s restaurant bill, or
• Creating a “DINEAID special” on the menu, with $2 from every dish purchased going to DINEAID

DINEAID cafe was successfully launched in 2012 with coin collection boxes in cafes throughout New Zealand. DINEAID coin boxes are placed at the cash desk for bill payers to drop in a few coins when paying their bill.

Thanks to participating cafes, restaurants and the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of all the money raised is redistributed within New Zealand to help Food Banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch/South Island regions. The Restaurant Association supports the DINEAID initiative and encourages members to get behind this initiative.

If you run a restaurant or a cafe, sign up here.

DINEAID is a charitable initiative started over eight years ago by a small group of caring New Zealand restaurateurs to give a helping hand to New Zealanders in need.

Since DINEAID was launched, restaurants and cafes have raised and distributed more than $630,000.

Each year, during November and December DINEAID raises money through participating restaurants across New Zealand by either adding a voluntary donation of just $2 per table to the customer’s restaurant bill, or by creating a “DINEAID special” on the menu, with $2 from every dish purchased going to DINEAID.

DINEAID Cafe was successfully launched in 2012 with coin collection boxes in cafes throughout New Zealand. DINEAID Coin boxes are placed at the cash desk for bill payers to drop in a few coins  when paying their bill.

Thanks to participating cafes, restaurants and the generosity of key supporter Goodman Fielder and associate sponsors, 100% of all the money raised is redistributed within New Zealand to help Food Banks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch/South Island regions. The Restaurant Association supports the DINEAID initiative and encourages members to get behind this initiative.

If you run a restaurant or a cafe, sign up here.

DineAid is made possible through the support of principal sponsor