In an increasingly disrupted world, individuals and community organisations are working hard to make Aotearoa a little better every day. This series shines a light on them. 

“I get here around 2:30 in the morning,” Martin says as he carefully measures out flour, sugar and spices, weighing them on a scale. An industrial mixer whirs rhythmically in the background. Delicious aromas waft from the large ovens.

Martin kneads a handful of dough, then holds it up, pulling it apart, looking to see if it can stretch to a point where he can see through it, like a window. “That means the dough is ready,” Martin says before adding thousands of currants and sultanas to the mix. He’s making hot cross buns in the bakery at Woolworths Waiata Shores.

About 30 minutes away, at Waterview School, Breakfast Club is just starting up. Students have gathered around for cups of Milo, toast, spreads and fruit before their day of learning begins. “If teachers notice a child is maybe not engaging as much… they’ll ask, ‘Have you had breakfast this morning?’ And then maybe just quietly go down and make them some breakfast,” says Annette Herbert deputy principal. Most of the kai is supplied by KidsCan.

KidsCan provides food, jackets, shoes and essential health items to about 1000 schools and 500 early childhood education centres around New Zealand. Every year, Woolworths donates five cents from every packet sold of Woolworths own in-store baked hot cross buns to KidsCan. In 2025, the total contribution was over $85,000.

Back at the bakery, Martin pulls the HCBs out of the oven. They are glistening, golden brown, award-winning actually; Martin has been twice crowned Hot Cross Bun Baker of the Year. This year he can’t compete. He’ll be heading home to see his mum in Vietnam, but knows his work will still be being put to great use.

In this episode of ‘A little better every day’, we spend the day at the bakery, in the classroom and at the KidsCan warehouse.