Māngere resident Faye Marie has been working hard this Christmas Day to prepare a free traditional Cook Island Christmas kai for her community.
As a volunteer and kaitiaki of Favona Pātaka, an open pantry offering free food to those in need, helping others is part of her daily routine.
"My grandfather and my mother had always shown me to be content with what you have, she told Rereātea.
"As I grew up they also taught me about God's love and passion to be a servant and serve and since then I served within the church."
For the dinner, Marie is preparing food for 200 and invited the homeless people she knows who use the Favona Pantry.
"The very best part is knowing that my classmates and people I have met in the pātaka journey gave a helping hand for the kaupapa, to bridge the gap of those falling short of WINZ help," says Marie.
On the menu includes raw fish, pork, chicken, coleslaw, chop suey and doughnuts.
One the menu. Source: Faye Marie.
Marie has also been honoured for her service to the community after offering free furniture, bikes, clothes, shoes, drinks and food at the Māngere Community Centre last Sunday.
The dinner starts tonight starts at 6pm and will go ahead no matter the weather, says Marie.