If you’re craving classic Kiwi treats with a heart-warming mission behind them, The Kai Kart on Lane Street in Wallaceville is well worth a visit. Located just south of SaveMart, the much-loved food cart has become a local favourite for its delicious brownies, golden fried bread, the best cheese scones, barista coffee and hearty burgers, and every time you purchase from the Kai Kart you are supporting community initiatives across the Hutt Valley.

The Kai Kart is proudly owned and operated by 4 A Better City Charitable Trust, a registered Upper Hutt charity with a vision to empower the community through compassion, support and education for a hope-filled, sustainable future. The Trust works alongside vulnerable individuals and families, helping build resilience, confidence and wellbeing through practical support and meaningful opportunities.

Every cup of coffee and freshly made treat sold at The Kai Kart helps fund the Trust’s wider work – from composting and urban farming to mentoring programmes and housing support. The Kai Kart also provides supported employment opportunities for people taking part in MSD-assisted employment programmes, offering hands-on experience in a positive, community-focused environment.

Supporting the Community with Delicious Food

We’re currently open weekdays from 10am–1pm, and from next week, we’ll be extending our hours on Tuesdays, to Thursdays to 7.30am–2pm, The Kai Kart serves freshly prepared food made with care by local staff. Recently refreshed with new flags and signage opposite the Lane Park Business Centre, it’s now easier than ever to spot this vibrant community hub.

Alongside the regular menu, our refreshing summer smoothie or frappé are proving to be hit with both morning and lunchtime customers. And from next week you’ll be able to purchase a delicious coffee and bagel for just $12 between 7.30–10am Tuesday – Thursday. It’s the perfect way to start the day!

More Than Just a Kai Kart

4 A Better City’s impact extends well beyond food. The Trust runs a range of projects aimed at building a stronger, more connected Hutt Valley.

• Mahinga Kai Urban Farm – Growing delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables to supply to local marae, and food banks and we’re working towards affordable food options for locals.
• Weathersfield Organic Seedlings – Our Mahinga Kai Team grow top quality seedlings, especially for local conditions, you can buy them from Mitre 10 MEGA Upper Hutt, Petone and Porirua, keep your eye out as we’ll soon be selling them at the Kai Kart too.
• Mahinga Kai Composting – Turning food scraps from local businesses and households into rich active compost for local gardens.
• Hutt Valley Community Housing – Providing warm, dry short-term accommodation for individuals and families facing homelessness.
• Pathways Property – With the support of a number of investors we are creating affordable opportunities for Hutt Valley families to purchase their own homes through our Rent-To-Own and Shared Equity programmes.
• Mental Health Support Groups – Creating safe spaces for people to connect and receive encouragement.
• “I Have a Dream” Programme – Supporting young people with skills, confidence and life opportunities.
• Well Cut Lawns – Generating income while providing employment and training opportunities.

All profits from The Kai Kart, Well Cut Lawns and our Weathersfield Seedlings social enterprises are reinvested directly back into these initiatives – meaning every Kai Kart purchase helps strengthen our local community.

Proud to be part of Upper Hutt Food Week

The Kai Kart and 4 A Better City are excited about being part of The Upper Hutt Food Week, a celebration of local food, culture and community running from 21–29 March 2026. As part of the week, local food growers and creators are invited to run stalls alongside The Kai Kart at our popup summer market on Saturday 28 March. Stallholders can register their interest by emailing hello@4abettercity.nz

Details of Food Week activities and events will be shared on the Upper Hutt Food Week social media page in the lead-up.

Help us to deliver in our community

Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast, morning tea treats or a midday pick-me-up, visiting The Kai Kart is a simple way to enjoy great kai while giving back.

Follow 4 A Better City on social media, spread the word, and support the work by choosing to eat where your dollars do good for our community.

https://www.facebook.com/4ABCHuttValley

https://www.instagram.com/4abettercityhv/

A “thank you” to Justine Hall from 4 A Better City Trust for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

02/02/26