Food banks around the Western Bay of Plenty have had a boost following the Emergency Services annual Food Bank Drive.

Sirens rang out across Western Bay of Plenty suburbs, including Maketu, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and three suburbs of Tauranga on Tuesday evening, as collectors took to the streets in a collaborative effort to support the community during the holiday season ahead.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Support Officer Robert Pinkerton says it’s been a successful night.

“All the stations picked up a good number of food, which went into their particular local food banks.”

The three Tauranga drives – in Mount Maunganui, The Lakes, and central Tauranga from Eleventh to Twenty Second Ave – had their collections taken to Tauranga Food Bank.

Robert says there were three trailer loads from Mount Maunganui and two from the avenues.

“We had about 60 collectors, probably more. It was a really good turnout of helpers.”

Robert says Tauranga city is divided into five areas, with three chosen each year.

“We do a collection [in each area] once every five years, so as not to saturate any one area. Each year they shift the area they collect from.”

It also means people can go volunteer in other areas.

Each year, the three emergency services – fire, police and ambulance - take a lead role with this year’s drive in the planning for the last five months.

“Last night was Fire taking the lead, last year was Ambulance, and next year is Police. That way there’s not so much pressure on the same group.”

Joining in to support the drive were ambulance cadets and their helpers, Civil Defence, Neighbourhood Support groups, community patrols, Foodbank staff, Salvation Army, volunteer fire fighters, on duty and off duty Police constables, and from Mount Maunganui – Fisheries officers.

The drive ran from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with each suburb having a group from Ambulance, Police and Fire as well as people and vehicles from the other services.

Part way through the evening, a shower of rain crossed over Tauranga.

“It’s the first time it’s rained in the 10 years I’ve been doing it,” says Robert.

The sirens could be heard from a few streets away as the emergency services convoy moved through a suburb.

“People hear the noise and out they come.

“I want to thank the community for their generosity.”

This year, the Emergency Services Food Bank Drive collection was done a week earlier than other years.

Fishery Officer’s trailer ready to go out on the Emergency Services Food Bank Drive. Photo: Western BOP Neighbourhood Support.

Robert says that anyone who was unable to donate, but still wants to, can take their donation to their local library or to the Tauranga Food Bank.

Papamoa Emergency Services Food Drive

Next week, on Tuesday December 5, the Papamoa community will have an opportunity to be involved in the Papamoa Emergency Services Food Drive which will start at 6pm.

The drive will help establish the new Papamoa Food Hub, following the recent closure of the Papamoa Family Support Services.

Volunteers will be out collecting food items with a long shelf life, cleaning equipment and products, toilet paper, sanitary products, baby food, nappies, baby wipes and pet food.

Collected food items being stacked following the Emergency Service Food Bank Drive. Photo: Western BOP Neighbourhood Support.

Anyone not home can leave items on their driveway or in their letterbox from 5.30pm.

Anyone wanting to donate to the Papamoa Good Hub can do so by directly donating to the bank account: 06-0188-0041612-55.