On a crisp Queenstown morning, Crowne Plaza staff hop on their e-bikes and weave through the streets to collect fresh, unsold food from local cafés. Their mission is simple but powerful: rescue high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to the Salvation Army to dish out community meals for those in need.

This weekly routine has become a highlight for the hotel’s volunteers and creates an opportunity for them to connect with the local community while making a real difference.

Katie Robertson on an e-bike as a food rescue volunteer for KiwiHarvest
Katie Robertson Volunteering for KiwiHarvest

Meet the Volunteers Behind the Wheels

What sets this initiative apart is the people driving it. Katie Robertson, Director of Sales and Marketing, begins her day hopping on the KiwiHarvest e-bike, ready for six collection stops. “Starting the day outside among the fresh mountain air and chatting with local café workers is a great experience in itself. But the real reward is arriving at Salvation Army, seeing the work they do to support our community and knowing you’re contributing,” she says.

Stewart Manson, General Manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, explains the wider impact. “Not only is the partnership a way for Crowne Plaza to give back to the community, but it’s invaluable for company culture and the health and wellbeing of individuals in the team,” he says.

Volunteering with KiwiHarvest has brought their team closer together, from front office, housekeeping, food & beverage, and engineering. Shifts are flexible and planned through an online roster, so the hotel continues to run smoothly. New volunteers are welcomed through quarterly training sessions, ensuring the programme grows alongside the team.

KiwiHarvest volunteer rescuing unsold food from local cafe
Rescuing Unsold Food from Queenstown Signs

Making a Real Impact

Since partnering with KiwiHarvest in 2023, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has helped rescue hundreds of kilograms of fresh food each month. Local cafés taking part include Yonder, known for its vibrant brunches and specialty coffee, Vudu, a popular spot with locals for hearty breakfasts and freshly squeezed juices, and Bespoke Café, which has a carefully crafted menu and Allpress organic coffee. Starbucks, The Bakery Queenstown, and Queenstown Signs also contribute to the weekly collections.

Gary Hough, KiwiHarvest’s Queenstown Branch Lead, highlights the community impact. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Crowne Plaza, as more hands onboard means more food rescued and more support for our recipient charities and the people they help in times of need. We hope all our volunteers feel the joy that comes from contributing to a major challenge in the community and seeing the results of one simple solution,” he says.

Salvation Army Queenstown team receiving food donations from KiwiHarvest
Salvation Army Queenstown Team Receiving Rescued Food

Stories That Inspire

For many volunteers, the moments that stick are simple yet meaningful. Many say the experience has become a favourite part of their week, contributing a small act that leaves a big impact. Crowne Plaza’s commitment has already inspired plans to expand. Holiday Inn Remarkables Park have joined the KiwiHarvest programme, and there are ambitions to extend collection routes to more areas around Queenstown.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Queenstown, there are ways to support food rescue efforts. KiwiHarvest welcomes volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the programme relies on contributions from businesses, the local community, and visitors alike.

Next time you’re enjoying a coffee in town or staying at Crowne Plaza, take a moment to appreciate the community spirit at play. A team of passionate volunteers, bikes loaded with fresh food, and a commitment to giving back are all part of making every meal count.

 

Discover more about KiwiHarvest and see how you can help make a difference here.

Information accurate at time of publication (2025).