Franchise helps SuperGrans
A community organisation that helped to provide more than 96,000 meals last year will be able to reach even more families thanks to two new vehicles supplied by Eastland Toyota and the Greenlea Foundation.
From delivering kai to supporting families in remote coastal communities, the team at SuperGrans Tairāwhiti spends much of its time on the road. Staff and volunteers regularly travel around Gisborne and the East Coast, making reliable transport essential to its work.
During 2025 alone, SuperGrans distributed 3,887 kai parcels, delivered 78 workshops and supported 365 people through its wraparound services, such as financial mentoring and social work. It also upcycled or distributed more than 30 tonnes of rescued kai.
Eastland Toyota has provided the organisation with a fully electric bZ4X, while the Greenlea Foundation has funded a new Hilux.
As well as providing vehicles, Eastland Toyota will work with SuperGrans to deliver workshops covering topics such as basic vehicle maintenance, EV technology, safe driving and career pathways in the automotive industry.
Sarah Elliott, strategic adviser at SuperGrans Tairāwhiti, says the partnership will strengthen its ability to support whanau across the region.
She adds: “Our team spends a lot of time on the road. Reliable vehicles are what allow us to reach and support isolated whanau, and deliver life skills, workshops and programmes in rural communities, move rescued kai or basic essentials to where they need to be, and respond fast during emergencies.
“These vehicles will make a real difference to what we’re able to do, while the electric bZ4X also helps us lower our running costs and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Aaron Baylis, branch manager of Eastland Toyota, says supporting organisations making a difference locally is an important part of the dealership’s role in the region.
“SuperGrans is one of those organisations that’s always there when people need a hand,” he adds. “We see the difference they make in our community every day. When the opportunity came up to help them get around more easily, it just made sense.”
