Our achievements
A look back at our most memorable moments since 2002
Snapshot of achievements
Our monthly hangouts – featuring drinks, nibbles, a meal and mingling – are fun, informative and a great way to meet people. Held the last Friday of the month at a different vegan-friendly venue each time. Check out our events guide for details of this month’s hangout.
Each year, Christchurch benefits from the service of volunteers and others who go above and beyond the call of duty for the city and its people. The Christchurch City Council recognises these valued contributions with its annual Civic Awards, and in 2021 the work of the Christchurch Vegan Society was acknowledged with our own Civic Award.
While an informal network of vegans helping vegans began after the February 2011 earthquake struck, our Vegan Angels scheme was officially launched in 2020. We partnered with Green Dinner Table and a great team of volunteers to provide vegan meal kits and baking to vegans and vegetarians in times of need. In March 2022, we expanded the scheme to offer grocery pick-ups for people having to isolate due to Covid-19 or other illnesses.
We launch a Business Network to give extra support and promotion to local vegan-friendly businesses.
Christchurch’s first all-vegan market is held at the Phillipstown Community Hub in October 2019. The monthly market showcases the best local plant-based foods and goods, raises awareness of the environmental/animal welfare and health benefits of veganism, and brings the community together.
Aside from the new name and brand, the CVS will continue to provide exactly the same services, events and activities as we did under the CVC. Everyone, whether vegan, vegetarian or neither will still be welcome. We are the same people and we plan to continue to serve Christchurch’s vegan and vegetarian community the same as we always have done since 2002; providing support, events, resources, social groups, education, and advocacy, as well as organising the Vegan Expo.
Following on from successful events in other parts of the country, we hold Christchurch’s first vegan ball. More than 100 attend the fabulous fundraiser.
To mark the 10-year anniversary of running our Vegetarian Expos (that were actually vegan but not named explicitly), it was decided to rename the event to better reflect its ethos. The first official Vegan Expo was a massive success with record numbers of attendees that included high profile Masterchef winner and vegan Aaron Brunet.
Launched a social networking group for single vegans and vegetarians called Single Mingles.
We kicked off Vegan Camps, the first bi-annual vegan retreat getaway to Hanmer Springs. The aim is to build the vegan community and provide an opportunity for vegans to come together to relax, indulge, grow and play. Accommodation options include motel units, cabins and camping.
Team Vegan is a vegan running group, enjoying both casual runs locally, and submitting vegan teams in annual running events. Team Vegan is a sports group made up of vegans from around New Zealand. The active group is open to all vegans and you don’t have to be super fit – just keen to get out there and be active with us.
We launched the first Vegan Film Festival, screening 10 feature films, shorts and documentaries. Those attending also got to enjoy vegan popcorn, ice cream, and gourmet meals . We wish to thank the Lion Foundation for contributing a grant of $2800 towards the festival.
We launch New Zealand’s inaugural Vegetarian Expo. It was a huge success and has now become an annual event.
We set up a new local group specifically aimed at young teens, called Veggie Youth. The gorup is later renamed Pihinga.
We held the first vegetarian and vegan triathlon in Canterbury. The Vegan Triathlon, followed by a celebratory dinner, became an annual event held at QEII until the devastating February 2011 earthquake.
We form two new groups – the Veggie Puffs, a group for vegan and vegetarians in the LGBTQIA+ community for dining and socialising (later renamed Veggie Rainbow Community), and the Veggie Families group aimed at helping families raising vegan or vegetarian children.
Certified businesses and affiliated organisations, charities and groups we proudly work alongside
