13 October 2025

New Lynn School Volunteers: The Heartbeat of KickStart Breakfast

Every morning at New Lynn School in Auckland, delicious kai and warm voices welcome tamariki as they arrive at school. KickStart Breakfast is open every day in the Learning Centre for anyone who wants to join. Behind this daily ritual stands a remarkable group: the KickStart Breakfast Club volunteers, whose commitment and care ensure no child begins the day hungry.

Teamwork in Action

At the core of the club’s success are its ten passionate volunteers, each dedicating their time on specific days of the week. Their work is a testament to what can happen when individuals unite for a shared purpose. These volunteers form a close-knit team, communicating through a group chat to seamlessly coordinate their shifts. If one member can’t make it, a message is sent, and another steps up, embodying the true spirit of collaboration.

The wonderful Thelena, school office administrator, aims to reduce the set-up time in the morning by preparing as much as possible the afternoon before. This allows the volunteers to roll in just before the school’s KickStart Breakfast club opens around 8am. Their shift stretch till just after 9:15/9:30am—but their impact is lasting; knowing that an empty stomach can be a major barrier to learning and wellbeing.

Some of the incredible volunteers enjoying their end of term celebration morning tea with Principal, Mr. Greg Roebuck.

The secret to the breakfast club’s efficiency lies in preparation and routine. This streamlined process allows the volunteers to work harmoniously, each understanding their role and the rhythm of the morning. But breakfast is just the beginning. The volunteers also prepare sandwiches for students who arrive without a lunch, ensuring every child feels cared for, not just at the start of the day, but throughout it.

Celebrating Asmita Daya

Among the team stands a truly exceptional volunteer: Asmita Daya. Asmita’s story is one of pure generosity and heart. Despite having no family ties to New Lynn School, she appears every Tuesday morning, arms laden with spreads for toast and sandwiches—week after week, without fail. Her contributions go beyond the tangible; it is her spirit, kindness, and joy in giving that set her apart.

Near retirement age and still working herself, Asmita epitomizes dedication. In a community filled with giving spirits, Asmita shines especially bright: a true marvel, a darling whose presence enriches everyone she meets.

Loyalty That Lasts

The rest of the volunteer team is made up of school mums, many of whom have dedicated years to the breakfast club. Their loyalty is the foundation upon which the programme is built. These women are woven into the fabric of the school community, not only serving breakfast but also cheering at sports games, helping at showcase evenings, and embodying what it means to give back.

Thelena reflects, “I cannot thank our volunteers enough for their dedication to the breakfast club and helping not only us but our children.” It’s a sentiment echoed by families and staff alike—gratitude for a group whose efforts are often quiet but always vital.

Left to Right: Kanwal Sanjrani, Marguerite Howlett, Holly Beresford, Asmita Daya, Penelope Gin and Kate Brewin. Missing; Nina McSweeney. Lili Suo, Naheed Saeed, Zaahida Sayed

Building Community, One Morning at a Time

KickStart Breakfast at New Lynn School is more than breakfast—it’s a community builder. Each term, the incredible volunteers gather for a special morning tea, a moment to reflect and celebrate. These gatherings aren’t just about saying thanks; they’re an opportunity for volunteers to connect, share ideas, and brainstorm creative ways to reach even more children in need of breakfast. It’s also a time for laughter and friendship, forging bonds that go beyond the kitchen.

These meetings often spark fresh ideas for outreach, and volunteers discuss new ways to encourage participation—both from students and potential new helpers. The club knows there are more children out there who could benefit, and the team is always thinking about how to make the programme even more inclusive and far-reaching.

Growing the Team

One ongoing challenge is recruiting new volunteers. Despite the clear impact and satisfaction that comes from helping, it can be difficult to convince parents and caregivers to join. Many families juggle busy schedules, and the thought of committing—even for just an hour and a half a week—can seem daunting.

Yet, as the club’s story shows, volunteering is not only manageable; it’s deeply rewarding. Each new pair of hands lightens the load, brings fresh energy, and helps ensure that every child at New Lynn School starts their day with a full puku and a smile.

How You Can Help in your own school

If you’re a parent/caregiver, or community member inspired by how you could support a local KickStart Breakfast school, we encourage you to reach out to the school principal or office administrator. Volunteering comes in all shapes and size and doesn’t have to be an hour of your time; it could be taking home the tea towels to wash and return, it could be gathering surplus fruit from your home fruit trees or donating an old working music player to add a little music to your school’s breakfast club space. It is an array of various kind gestures that also help make our KickStart Breakfast clubs grow and reach as many tamariki and rangatahi as possible; often through a willingness to give a little and a lot of kindness.