Market gardening, farming, forestry and tourism are the backbone industries of the Waimarino community, centred around Mt Ruapehu. Despite a slow start to the carrot harvest, Ruapehu Parish treasurer Kathryn Greenwood along with Tyler Eades, both local market gardeners, teamed up to provide vegetables for those in need in their community. Just before the lockdown began, bags of local freshly harvested potatoes, beetroot, parsnips and carrots were delivered by the pair to homes in Ohakune and Raetihi as well as the surrounding rural neighbourhood.

As well as being delighted to receive hand-delivered fresh vegetables, recipients were pleased to have some food that will ease the financial burden at the supermarket.