Truck, Unimog, helicopter and now a boat are all methods being used to deliver groceries to cut-off areas in the Coromandel.

Waka Kai, a 9m vessel owned and operated by New World Whitianga, has been sailing across the Coromandel region, delivering essential goods to communities that have been left without access to grocery stores due to damaged roads and other infrastructure.

The team has been visiting nine different areas including Opito Bay, Kuatotunu, Matarangi, Whangapoua, Kennedy Bay, Cooks Beach, Hahei, Tairua and Pauanui.

"We're committed to serving our communities through our local family-owned stores, and we understand access to essential goods is critical during times of crisis," says Foodstuffs North Island, chief executive Chris Quin.

"Waka Kai is an important contributor to our efforts to support the Coromandel region during this difficult time."

Waka Kai is stocked with a range of essential grocery items, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other household essentials. T

he team has been working closely with local authorities and community groups to identify areas in need of support, and to coordinate the delivery of goods to those who need them most.

New World Whitianga owner operator Kerry Stanley first introduced Waka Kai in 2019 as a summer offering to help locals and holiday makers beat traffic.

"After the cyclone, as soon as it became safe, I wanted to get Waka Kai out on the water to check people were ok and to help resupply our cut off communities.

"To give you an idea, there's about 500 people who live at Cooks Beach which is just 3km from Whitianga by sea, compared to 35km of road that's now full of slips.

"Our first day was quite emotional and challenging. We had debris to get through and were the first people from the ‘outside world' some of these communities had seen or heard from for four days.

"They don't have any internet access, so we've basically going back to pen and paper orders. We've also had customers who don't know they're getting orders because they've got family members who've ordered for them. Customers have been very grateful for the service and of course our deliveries have been free of charge."

The response from local communities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing their gratitude for the initiative.

"The family ordered us groceries, it's the best thing ever this boat, it really is. So thank you very much," says resident Rachel Boyd.

The co-op will continue to monitor the situation in the Coromandel region, and will work with local authorities and community groups to provide ongoing support where it is needed most.