Nau mai, haere mai
Every meal is an act
of aroha
For over 125 years, Compassion Soup Kitchen has nourished our community with kai, kindness, and connection. Join our whānau of volunteers and help restore mana, one meal at a time.
125+
Years serving community
Tau e mahi ana
300+
Meals served daily
Kai ia rā
1,000+
Volunteers each year
Kaimahi tūao
50+
Partner organisations
Hoa mahi
Tō mātou kōrero · Our Story
More than a meal.
A place of belonging.
Founded by the Sisters of Compassion, Te Pūaroha has been a beacon of manaakitanga in our community for over a century. What began as a simple kitchen serving soup has grown into a wraparound service that nourishes body, mind, and spirit.
We serve anyone who walks through our doors — no questions asked. Every plate of kai carries with it the aroha of hundreds of volunteers who give their time, skills, and heart to this kaupapa.
Our mahi extends beyond the kitchen. We advocate for food security, connect whānau with support services, and work to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness in Aotearoa.
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is people, it is people, it is people.
— Māori whakataukī
Āwhina mai · Get Involved
Your time makes
all the difference
Whether you have an hour or a day, there's a place for you in our whānau. Every volunteer role contributes to our shared kaupapa of compassion and community.
Ngā kōrero · Voices
Stories from our whānau
Ready to make
a difference?
Join hundreds of volunteers who give their time and aroha to Te Pūaroha. Sign up today and we'll match you with shifts that work for your schedule.
No commitment required. Volunteer as often as suits you.