byEmma Bass/August 10, 2026/inArchibalds News, Partnerships & Community

The 2023 Māia Health Foundation Feast, Presented by Archibalds

Archibalds was extremely proud to present the 2023 Māia Health Foundation Feast for the second consecutive year, following the hugely successful 2022 event.

It was an incredible evening with delicious food curated from local Canterbury produce, competitive bidding for exceptional prizes, and an exceptional amount raised.

An outstanding community effort

Over 300 people filled the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 3rd September for the annual Māia Health Feast, all coming together to celebrate the power of community and take Canterbury’s local child and youth mental health services from good to great.

A wonderful evening was had by all with attendees being treated to a lovely kōrero by Mike McRoberts for the second year running, alongside performances by Zara Ballara and Julia Deans. Jack Robinson and his mother, Kathryn, bravely shared their story on the night in support of the appeal. Jack was treated by the Child, Adolescent, and Family mental health team in 2020 when he was “taken over” by OCD. “To put it lightly, they’ve saved me. They’ve saved me from dying” says Jack, sharing with attendees on the night just how vital access to mental health services is.

The power of community was clear, with everyone enjoying a round of animated bidding for an assortment of fantastic auction items, including a private whiskey tasting with Scott “Razor” Robinson, a yachting escape to Waiheke Island, and an exclusive private dinner for eight with Brendon McCullum, head coach of the England Cricket test team.

This resulted in an extremely generous amount raised, with donations going towards Kahurangi, an enhanced outpatient facility for Child and Youth Mental Health and Māia’s Hero Project.

A treat for the tastebuds

Throughout the night the entertainment was accompanied by a delicious three-course meal crafted with local Canterbury produce and seasonal spring treats. Devised by Venues Ōtautahi Executive Chef Dan Shanks, it was a true treat for the tastebuds with guests enjoying an array of sharing-style plates, including Hot Smoked Akaroa Salmon, Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder, and Grizzly Sour Dough with smoked sorrel butter.

As naming partner for the event we are extremely proud to support Māia Health and be a part of the fundraising efforts. The opportunity to partner with Māia is an easy choice to make, as it allows us to foster a long-term relationship with an organisation working on a cause close to our heart. The difference Māia makes is long-lasting and widespread across not just Canterbury but New Zealand, and we are proud to play our part in supporting this incredible organisation. We want to thank everyone not only for their attendance but generosity on the night at the Feast.

The money raised at the 2023 Feast supports the Māia Health Foundation’s hero project Kahurangi, a world-class Child, Adolescent, and Family outpatient service that will provide mental health services for young people in New Zealand. This $16 million facility is being jointly funded by Māia and Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, with Māia’s contribution helping to take the project from good to great.

We’re proud to play a small role in supporting such a vital project that will have long-term benefits for years to come.

Rowan Barbalich, Miles Group Manager, giving a speech at the 2023 Feast.

“Part of Maia’s appeal for us, is that it has never shied away from a challenge. It’s an approach we at Archibalds try to live by, taking our customers on a journey of innovation and expanded possibilities.
2011 was my final year of university. We were the earthquake grads. Every one of us donned our academic cap and entered the world with youthful, probably very naïve, exuberance about what this city would become. Well twelve years later and we’re not there yet! But my enthusiasm for this region remains and I know it does for you… Otherwise you wouldn’t be here. This evening presents the chance to define the Canterbury we want to be a part of. What an awesome opportunity!
As a locally owned and operated family business, Archibalds employs 80 staff and is part of the wider Miles Group network which employs over 500 staff nationally. We firmly believe in the welfare of our people, their families and supporting our local community.”
– Rowan Barbalich , Archibalds Manager

How You Can Support the Māia Health Foundation

Māia Health Foundation works with a growing number of commercial partners and individual contributors alike. Whether you’re wanting to make a one-off donation, do a baking fundraiser or leave a bequest, every dollar counts towards improving mental health services and the lives of those that utilise them.

A one-off, monthly or annual donation can be made here. More information on leaving a bequest or in memory can be found here.

You can also support Māia’s efforts on their Facebook Page, or sign up to receive their newsletter here.

Rowan Barbalich, Archibalds Manager, and Michael Flatman, Maia Health Foundation CEO

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