Celebrating 75 years of Meals on Wheels: Thousands of volunteers, countless connections

This month marks 75 years of the New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels delivery service – a milestone that celebrates generations of volunteers who have delivered not only hot meals, but care and connection to communities across the country.

Since the service began in Canterbury in June 1951, Meals on Wheels has grown into a nationwide service supporting thousands of people each week. It started with Red Cross branch members preparing and delivering soup and bread to neighbours in need during a gas, coal and electricity shortage, and has since evolved into a vital community service reaching communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Today, more than 3,000 New Zealand Red Cross volunteers help deliver hundreds of thousands of meals each year, supporting older people, those recovering from illness or injury, and others who may struggle to prepare hot, nutritious meals themselves.

Volunteers at the heart of the service

While much has changed over 75 years, one thing has remained the same – the human connection and care behind every delivery. For many recipients, the brief visit from a volunteer is as meaningful as the meal itself, offering a friendly face, a check-in and a moment of conversation that can brighten the day.

Volunteers have always been at the heart of the New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels delivery service.

Pip Mabin, Red Cross Meals on Wheels Service Manager, says members and volunteers are at the heart of the service.

“Meals on Wheels simply wouldn’t exist without our members and volunteers. For 75 years, people across Aotearoa have generously given their time to support others in their communities. Each delivery represents an act of kindness and care.”

Pip says the 75th anniversary, which also falls in the same month as National Volunteer Week, is a timely opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution volunteers – past and present – have made over generations.

“Many of our volunteers have dedicated years, even decades, to Meals on Wheels, and some families have been involved across multiple generations. Their commitment has made a real difference in the lives of countless people.

“We are deeply grateful to every volunteer who has helped shape Meals on Wheels over the past 75 years. Their compassion and dedication are what make this service so special.”

Meals on Wheels over the years

The service has evolved considerably since its early days in Canterbury, when neighbours would nominate people in their communities who needed extra support and a small kitchen was set up to prepare and deliver soup to older residents. As demand grew, Red Cross branches began establishing Meals on Wheels in regions across the country.

In 1973, responsibility for preparing meals shifted to District Health Boards, while New Zealand Red Cross continued coordinating volunteers to deliver the meals nationwide. Eligibility assessments were later introduced by District Health Boards to ensure a consistent approach to identifying recipients.

Meals on Wheels also played a vital role during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was recognised as an essential service. Volunteers continued delivering meals and maintaining contact with isolated people through lockdowns and periods of uncertainty.

The Meals on Wheels delivery service is now a core national programme for New Zealand Red Cross, delivering meals in 42 locations across the country, from large urban centres to small rural communities.

“For 75 years, the simple act of delivering a meal has continued to make a lasting difference, helping people remain connected, independent and supported in their own homes.

That legacy of care and connection is something truly worth celebrating, and we look forward to the next 75 years,” says Pip.

More information

If you would like more information about Meals on Wheels and how New Zealand Red Cross supports the service, find out more below.  
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Meals on Wheels by the numbers 

• In 2025, New Zealand Red Cross volunteers delivered 681,092 meals across New Zealand.
• More than 3,000 New Zealand Red Cross volunteers support the Meals on Wheels delivery service nationwide.
• We deliver meals in 42 towns and cities across the country.
• Around 260 New Zealand Red Cross volunteers deliver meals across the country each day, travelling almost 4,000km between them.