Every week at Under the Stars - Homeless in Tauranga, hot meals are served with warm smiles. There’s usually something sweet to finish the night — and many of those treats come from the kitchen of 16-year-old Hannah Richards.

Hannah has a gift for turning even a random mix of ingredients into something truly special. Her baking adds a comforting, homemade touch to community meal services for people experiencing homelessness.

She has been baking for Under the Stars for a couple of years, but her connection goes back much further — as a little girl helping her family support meal services back when they were run from a simple table to the street.

For Hannah, baking is second nature.

“I started baking before I can even remember. It was always part of life at home with Mum in the kitchen. I particularly enjoy delicate recipes like pastries or macarons. Although, nothing beats those comforting basics like a warm pudding or soft biscuit, something I believe no one should be without”.

Recently, Hannah was surprised to hear her name called for the Youth Volunteer Star Award at the 2025 Volunteer Star Awards.

“I thought I was just there to support the cause, so it was a pleasant surprise! It was wonderful to celebrate the achievement, but even better to recognise all the other volunteers who work so hard to make things happen.”

Hannah’s volunteering began through the Student Volunteer Army at school, which she has been a part of for almost three years. She shares that while awards and recognitions encourage involvement, the true reward is in the experience of giving back:

“Helping others and seeing it make a difference is a far greater reward. I want to tell people my age to just give it a go! There’s no expectation to dedicate all your spare time — even the occasional hour could make a difference in someone’s life far more than you realise.”

When asked what she’s learned through volunteering, Hannah offers an insightful perspective:

“Gratitude and respect. Under the Stars doesn’t see the homeless as a burden, but as people — real people experiencing some of the hardest days of their lives. I’m forever grateful for the privileges I have and want to share them, in my own way, through baking.”

Hannah’s mahi highlights what young people can accomplish when generosity, skill, and aroha come together — turning each bake into a meaningful act of care for the community.

Volunteering Services offers support, connection, and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your kaupapa, we're here to help.

To learn more, visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or give us a ring on (07) 987 0920.

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