AUCKLAND, Today: Kiwi start-up Mr Grocer is back with another smart idea, debuting a New Zealand–first stackable grocery bag system that clicks together and stands upright, making supermarket runs quicker and way more organised.
Each bag locks neatly into place in the boot, keeping groceries steady and easy to unload. It’s the latest clever invention from 21-year-old founder Astin Parore, who’s now putting the design to work for a good cause.
Mr Grocer has teamed up with Child Cancer Foundation to launch a special edition charity grocery bag, helping fund vital support for families across Aotearoa.
Available online and in New World stores nationwide, 50 cents from every $8.99 Child Cancer Foundation bag goes straight to the Foundation. The design joins three existing Mr Grocer bags.
The partnership is led by Astin, who has a personal link to the charity after delivering groceries to the Foundation’s offices for more than a year while working at New World.
“This year, the need is greater than ever,“ says Monica Briggs, CEO of the Child Cancer Foundation. “With food inflation hitting families hard, and our referrals up 20% in 2025, those grocery bags and food vouchers are not luxuries – they are crucial relief.
“I knew then I wanted to create something durable, useful, and with a design that represents the strength of the families going through a childhood cancer journey. – Astin Parore”
“Astin’s dedication is wonderful because he truly understands that this partnership directly relieves financial and emotional pressure on parents fighting the biggest battle of their lives.”
Over the past year, the Foundation spent $103,974 on kai for families, up 25% on previous years. A further $12,914 went toward frozen meals, fruit and snacks for parents and whānau staying in hospital wards.
Those frozen meals are delivered to Starship Hospital and stored in a freezer purchased by the Foundation, ensuring families can eat without leaving their child’s side.
Astin’s involvement came naturally after seeing the charity’s impact firsthand. He committed to the project after finishing his delivery role at Victoria Park New World, where he worked for two years before the June fire closed the store.
“For a year and a half, I delivered groceries to the Child Cancer Foundation team and saw firsthand their sheer commitment to those families,” Astin says. “I knew then I wanted to create something durable, useful, and with a design that represents the strength of the families going through a childhood cancer journey.
“We’ve designed the bags to celebrate tamariki in New Zealand, ensuring every purchase directly impacts the lives of children with cancer.”
- To purchase a bag, click here
- To make a donation to Child Cancer Foundation, visit childcancer.org.nz/donate
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