Thank You In Action: 5,300 Meals for Auckland City Hospital Staff
Healthcare staff at Auckland City Hospital were treated to 5,300 free meals on 30 September and 1 October 2026, as Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers wrapped up a nationwide campaign recognising those who care for our communities.
Held under RRT’s Thank You In Action banner, the event provided a practical gesture of thanks to nurses and healthcare teams. It was an opportunity for staff to take a break, connect with colleagues and feel appreciated for the work they do every day.
Working with Auckland Hospital Foundation, 100 RRT volunteers prepared and served meals at the hospital. Following a difficult winter and influenza season, the appreciation events were warmly welcomed by staff.
Candy Schroder, Chief Executive Officer of Auckland Hospital Foundation, said the initiative had lifted spirits, with the hospital corridors buzzing in the lead-up.
"Thousands have come down from the hospital – the atmosphere has been electric. It’s a huge moral booster."
A Nationwide Thank You
The Auckland events marked the conclusion of a major nationwide campaign, which began around International Nurses Day in May.
Across 61 appreciation events at 50 hospitals, RRT volunteers provided more than 36,040 meals to healthcare workers throughout New Zealand. Each event offered a simple way for local volunteers to personally thank the people caring for their communities.
The campaign also contributed to RRT’s global effort, which provided more than 57,000 meals across 110 hospitals.
RRT New Zealand General Manager Paul Simmons said the Auckland events were a fitting way to complete the campaign, recognising the extraordinary work carried out in hospitals every day.
Thank you to Auckland Hospital Foundation, the hospital teams who helped organise the events, and every volunteer who gave their time to prepare and serve meals. Above all, thank you to the nurses and healthcare staff whose care and dedication this campaign was designed to recognise.
About Rapid Relief Team NZ
Established in 2013, the Rapid Relief Team is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church which provides practical support, community assistance and disaster relief across New Zealand and around the world.
