Share Kai

Building community and economic capital through the universal language of food.

Share Kai is a collaboration between InCommon, SEWN and the former refugee women from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nepal/Bhutan and Palestine who are members of the Cooks Collective.

Share Kai brings together the Social Table and the Economic Kitchen to include everyone in creating communities where we all feel like we belong.

The Social Table:

  • Radically accessible “third spaces” in our neighbourhoods where meals are priced at standard "fast-food" rates so cost is not a barrier to cross-cultural connection.

  • Community events hosted in partnership with community centres and venues across Ōtautahi.

The Economic Kitchen:

  • Dignified employment - fair wages for former refugee and migrant women.

  • The Share Kai Accelerator: hands-on training in invoicing, marketing, menu development and event coordination. Practical work experience and income generation through monthly pop-up cafés in three neighbourhoods in Ōtautahi - City Centre, Addington and Opawa.

  • Our Rangatahi Hospo Work Experience programme supports young people from former refugee backgrounds to gain skills and experience working in the Cooks Collective Café.

Group of people gathered around a table making dumplings or pastries in a kitchen setting, with various ingredients and trays visible.
People standing in line at an outdoor event with colorful flags above.
Three women wearing aprons and head coverings, standing under a tent at an outdoor event, smiling and making peace signs.
A group of people of various ages sitting together at a long table, sharing a meal in a communal setting. The table is covered with colorful tablecloths and decorated with menus and flowers.
Group of people at an outdoor gathering with a man in a colorful shirt laughing and interacting. Background includes trees and festive decorations.
A plate filled with various foods, including salads, noodles, a pastry, and a slice of melon, with a buffet spread in the background.

Learn more about Share Kai.

Visit the Website

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Can we get your input?
Can we get your input?

We have a short online survey about our mahi/work online now!

Can we get your input? We know the real magic often happens after our events. We’d love to hear about that. Your feedback will also help us make decisions about where we focus our mahi/work next year.

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