20/08/2026
200+ guests, 4 courses, $412,000 raised for Haeata. 25,000 meals. One incredible night of Cook Off 2026 🩵
On Monday 8 June 2026, at the NZ International Convention Centre, passionate senior business leaders stepped into the kitchen under the guidance of renowned chefs to prepare a delicious four-course meal for more than 200 Mission guests. Most guests were people the Mission supports with housing, kai and access to health care.
More than just a meal, The Cook Off brought together business leaders, celebrity chefs, entertainers and the wider community to create a special evening for people experiencing the effects of poverty, including homelessness, limited access to health care and food insecurity. It was a night that celebrated dignity, belonging and the power of community.
At the same time, this incredible group of senior business leaders committed to fundraising to support the Mission’s community dining room, Haeata – and they delivered, raising over $412,000.
Haeata continues to experience significant demand, serving around 300 warm, nutritious meals every day to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and the senior business leaders wanted to make a positive difference this winter.
Every meal shared and every dollar raised through Cook Off 2026 helped provide 25,000 meals at Haeata this winter, giving warmth, nourishment and hope to people across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Special thanks to for capturing every special moment of the evening
