Bellyful East Auckland

Bellyful East Auckland was established in 2013.

Andrea Martin

Branch Coordinator

I was raised in the UK and emigrated and settle in Howick, Auckland in 2003, with my then 6-year-old daughter Courtney, husband Chris and our cat! In 2007 our daughter Brooke was born … yes we have a 10 year gap!

Eighteen years on Brooke is 14-years-old and at College, Courtney is loving life in Wellington and me and Chris have now been married 30 years!

I can remember when I had Brooke I felt so isolated, with no family in New Zealand, little support and a newborn who had terrible reflux for nine months which meant constant crying. I can happily put my hand up and say them days felt so hard. I honestly wish Bellyful had been around then.

I got introduced to Bellyful a number of years ago, loved what I heard and joined as a volunteer. I was actively involved for four years, doing a bit of everything but mainly fundraising and deliveries. I met such special ladies in my four years who have since become wonderful friends. In March 2022 I returned as Branch Coordinator and have an amazing team of volunteers working with me.

I have undertaken a range of volunteering roles over the years, but most recently helping at a local Rest Home as a companion to a wonderful lady called Ada (98). She taught me so much about life but mainly to enjoy, give back and have no regrets.

I am extremely excited and honoured to lead the team in East Auckland and to help Bellyful service our amazing community.

PHONE 0508 BELLYFUL

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Our Branch Sponsors

A huge thank you to our generous supporters

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is supporting our branch to cook meals for Middlemore Hospital NICU.

Manurewa Local Board is supporting our branch to cook meals for Middlemore Hospital NICU.

Our Latest Branch News

The Times Online looks at the work of Bellyful East Auckland’s passionate volunteers, as the branch marks nine years of supporting local whānau.

The Bellyful East Auckland cooks gather once a month at the Howick Salvation Army kitchen to prepare, package and freeze meals using ingredients paid for by fundraising efforts and donations from local sponsors and supporters.

An average monthly Cookathon results in around 160 meals ready to be delivered to recipients and 25 of these meals go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Middlemore Hospital for parents staying in with their babies.

It takes a dedicated team of 30 caring volunteers.