Sitting outside the community support centre’s building in Park St, the wooden cabinet is a place where residents can leave or take food with no questions asked.
Staffer Ellie Forrest says its "much-loved" old pataka kai had become worse for wear after several years of service.
"We patched it up to the best of our ability, but we realised we could make it a community endeavour to build something new."
Last Monday, five members of the resort’s Women’s Shed built a new one, using pre-cut materials provided for free by Mitre 10 Mega Queenstown.
Forrest says they did an "incredible job" of building a new pataka kai that’s stronger, more weatherproof and double the size of the old one.
"It looks amazing, it could withstand anything."
Although already in use, it’ll be painted in the Happiness House logo’s colours of pink, yellow, green and blue before an official opening ceremony on April 7.
The pantry’s offerings are also bolstered by KiwiHarvest Queenstown and Central Lakes, and several local food businesses.
It also gives Happiness House staff an opportunity to offer extra support to residents who might need it, she says.
