A school principal is welcoming a new charity drive to supply teenage girls with sanitary items - he says affordability's been an issue for many girls, for some time.

LISTEN ABOVE: Manurewa MP Louisa Wall speaks to Rachel Smalley

Manurewa MP Louisa Wall, Countdown and The Salvation Army are teaming up to give out the sanitary products to those on low incomes after it became evident there was a problem.

The Salvation Army's food-banks will distribute the donated 'women's hygiene' bundles.

Papatoetoe High School Principal Vaughan Couillault said sadly, it's a common event.

"I would say it would probably be a daily occurrence in our nurse's office now and probably not one or two people a day either, so it's very common place."

Mr Couillault said until now it's mainly been schools and teachers who've had to fit the bill.

But he adds while they can care for the ladies who ask for help, he's concerned about those who don't.

"What a terribly awkward, embarrassing, uncomfortable and unhygienic thing to have to go through if you're doing it by yourself and you haven't got the money you need to help you through that time. The girls that put their hand up and ask for help are certainly really well supported.

Countdown, along with one of its suppliers has contributed more than $3000 to kick-start the project.

General manager of corporate affairs James Walker said the move fits in nicely with the Salvation Army through the existing Food Bank Project.

"We didn't realise quite how serious the need was and when they came to us and said this is a real problem for young women of New Zealand, we were real keen to jump in and do our bit. It's something that we can do as a supermarket with the Salvation Army through the Food Bank Project."

Mr Walker said it means products considered not fit for sale don't go to waste.