Meet Gill Rutherford – Our New Foodbank Assistant

We’re excited to welcome Gill Rutherford as our new Foodbank Assistant at Community Link! Gill joined the team in late March and brings a wealth of life experience and a genuine desire to give back to the community. We recently sat down with Gill to chat about her background, what drew her to the role, and her advice for newcomers to Wānaka.

Tell us a little about your role at the Foodbank.

I work part-time—two days a week—assisting Nicola with food coordination and parcel preparation. I also help out wherever I can to support the team and make a difference. Every day is different, and I love being part of something that has a real impact.

What led you to join us at Community Link?

I retired from the University of Otago about a year ago and moved to Wānaka after living in Dunedin for 30 years. I’ve always loved Central Otago, and I thought—life is short, why not move somewhere I love? After settling in, I attended a volunteer speed dating event, which was where I first learned about the Foodbank. I was drawn to the idea of contributing to such a vital community resource and knew I wanted to get involved.

What makes the Community Link team special?

From day one, everyone at Community Link has been welcoming and respectful. There’s a genuine feeling of care here, whether you're working behind the scenes or coming in for support. Wānaka is lucky to have Kate, Nicola and the team offering such strong community support.

What’s your best advice for someone new to Wānaka?

Get involved! It’s the best way to meet people and feel connected. Volunteering is a great place to start. There’s so much going on in Wānaka, and people are incredibly friendly. Many locals have moved here from somewhere else, so they understand what it’s like to be new and are often happy to help you find your way.

What’s your favourite local hangout?

Anywhere outdoors! I love walking the Outlet Track with my dog or spending time in the mountains. The natural beauty here is what brought me to Wānaka, and it never fails to lift my spirits.

What do you enjoy most about working at Community Link?

It might sound like a cliché, but it’s true—it’s the people. Everyone is warm and kind, and I honestly look forward to coming to work. It’s such a positive place to be