Good Bitches Baking

There’s a uniquely Kiwi charm to the idea that baking a simple treat can make someone’s day, and Good Bitches Baking (GBB) is doing just that, on a truly impressive scale. With over 3,000 volunteers across 30 chapters, from Whangārei to Invercargill, this remarkable New Zealand charity has been spreading kindness one baked good at a time since 2014.

Whether it's a slice of cake, a batch of cookies, or a lovingly made loaf, every treat is baked with the purpose of letting someone know they are not alone.

GBB was founded by Nicole Murray and Marie Fitzpatrick after a candid conversation over a glass or two of bubbles. Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world but inspired by a small act of kindness they had experienced, the pair came up with a simple but powerful idea: what if they could show others going through a rough patch that someone out there cared? They floated the idea on Facebook and the response was instant. Hundreds of people wanted to help. Just like that, the first GBB chapter in Wellington was born.

Fast forward to today, and Good Bitches Baking supports more than 400 organisations across Aotearoa - places like women’s refuges, hospices, mental health services, and community shelters. Volunteers bake at home and deliver their goodies to these recipient groups, creating moments of care, comfort, and connection for people who really need it.

Want to join the kindness revolution?

If you're a baker and keen to get involved, you can sign up at GBB’s website and see which chapters are active in your area. 

Not a baker but still want to contribute?

You can donate to the Cup of Sugar fund, which helps cover the costs for volunteers who may need a hand. Just like lending a neighbour a cup of sugar, it’s about removing barriers to kindness—because everyone deserves the chance to give and receive it.

Prison Bake

At the heart of Good Bitches Baking is the belief that kindness is for everyone—and that includes people behind bars. Their 'Prison Bake' initiative is a beautiful extension of this kaupapa, offering baking lessons to people nearing the end of their prison sentence.

Each week (once a program is running), GBB volunteers visit the correctional facility to teach participants how to make delicious treats - like the delicious looking oat muesli bars (pictured) made by attendees at Waikeria Prison in Waikato, their second programme so far this year.

However, these sessions are about so much more than baking. Prison Bake teaches life skills that go beyond the mixing bowl - confidence, connection, purpose, and of course, kindness. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show that everyone deserves the chance to be part of something good.

Click here to chick out their website.