Greymouth businesses help keep Meals on Wheels moving
27 March 2026
When volunteer driver numbers dropped after the pandemic, New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels Service Lead for the Upper South, Karen Hamilton, needed a new approach for Greymouth.
Her solution came from close to home. “We were struggling with volunteer driver numbers. I was talking to my son about it; he was working at ElectroNet Group and suggested the company get involved, and here we are.”
ElectroNet has been supporting Meals on Wheels deliveries since April 2023. Currently, around 12 staff members take turns on a rotating roster to drop off hot meals to people unable to cook for themselves, with each person contributing four to five times a year. West Coast Health, the regional primary health organisation, joined in early 2024 and now have 19 staff working in pairs to cover one full week of deliveries each month.
“It’s helped keep Meals on Wheels running, introduced more people to what Red Cross does, and brought in younger volunteers, which is fantastic since many regulars are retirees,” Karen says.
ElectroNet Network Lines Manager Terry Hughes finds real reward in the routine.
ElectroNet Group Network Lines Manager Terry Hughes delivering a meal to Lorraine Menzies.
“I’m genuinely happy to help out, especially when it comes to supporting the older generations. Everyone has a story to tell, and I really enjoy meeting the people on my route.”
Each delivery takes about an hour, sometimes longer. “Some days you have a quick wave and move on; other days the recipients want to chat. Those connections are what make it worthwhile.”
He urges others to get involved. “It’s a great way to remain connected to our older citizens, who have so much to share. I’d love to see more younger people take part as it’s not a big time commitment, and it makes a real difference.”
ElectroNet Group Chief Executive Officer Peter Armstrong adds: “Meals on Wheels is a great fit for who we are as a business. Our people enjoy getting involved, and it’s nice knowing something as simple as a delivery can make someone’s day.”
At West Coast Health, Innovation and Improvement Lead Maggi Forsyth looks forward to her delivery shifts.
“It’s a morning where you get to connect with people you might otherwise never meet. I enjoy meeting the most genuine, lovely people,” she says.
“I’ve gotten to know the regulars who are so kind. They’re all such genuine people who deeply appreciate it.”
The payoff has surprised her, as she finds her work stress disappears while she’s out on a run and, back in the office, she’s more positive and productive.
Maggi says the volunteering is values in action. “Many organisations just plaster values on walls, but this embodies them. It’s a low-effort, high impact task that can mean the world to the recipients and is a great way to give back to your community.
“One day you might be the one receiving that meal, and you’ll be glad others stepped up.”
Karen says the workplace partnerships have strengthened Meals on Wheels in Greymouth. “These partnerships are making a real difference, both for the service and for the people who volunteer.”
Terry agrees: “You’re not just dropping off a meal, you’re checking in on a neighbour.”
More information
Our Meals on Wheels service supports older, ill, and disabled people living at home who would otherwise struggle to provide healthy meals for themselves.
If you’d like more information about Meals on Wheels and how New Zealand Red Cross supports the service, find out more below.
Lead image: West Coast Health Innovation and Improvement Lead Maggi Forsyth prepares to deliver meals to Greymouth recipients.