Deborah Manning

Deborah Ann Manning is a New Zealand lawyer and charity founder. Manning founded food sharing charity KiwiHarvest, and a sister charity the New Zealand Food Network to redistribute food more efficiently and reduce environmental pollution from food waste. In 2024, Manning was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community and the environment.

Early life and education

Manning was born in London where her father was studying medicine. The family returned to New Zealand when Manning was three, and settled in Palmerston North. Manning attended Ngā Tawa boarding school in Marton.

Career

Manning worked a physiotherapist and then as a lawyer and lecturer, before founding a food sharing organisation (initially named FoodShare and now called KiwiHarvest) in 2012. Manning initially worked in Dunedin, using her own car to collect unwanted food and redistribute it through social service agencies and food banks.

In 2020 Manning founded the New Zealand Food Network. The network created a national food distribution network with more than 65 hubs, and is aimed at creating a more efficient redistribution system for large volumes of food.

Honours and awards In 2022 Manning was named Sustainability Superstar at the Sustainable Business Network’s Sustainable Business Awards. She has been named as a Distinguished Alumni of Otago Polytechnic, and was one of the 2023 Top 50 Women in Food & Drink in Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2022 KiwiHarvest jointly won the not-for-profit category at The Grand Business South Awards.

In the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, Manning was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community and the environment.