The idea for HRRC all began during a community meeting at Waikino Hall when someone proposed the idea of opening a reuse centre similar to the Thames Seagull Centre. The Council was enthusiastic about the concept but made it clear that it had to be initiated by a community group or independent business.
Motivated by their passion for sustainable living and reducing waste, a dedicated group of individuals came together and eventually the Hauraki Reuse Centre Trust was formed to oversee the operations of the future centre. Over the next three years, the team dedicated themselves to extensive research, planning, and relentless efforts to secure funding. After many delays and challenges, they were on the brink of giving up. Thankfully, funding to support the startup was approved from the Ministry for the Environment's Waste Minimisation Fund. This much-needed boost arrived at a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, not the ideal time to open up for business! Despite the challenges, the Hauraki Repair and Reuse Centre in Paeroa finally opened its doors in 2021. On site staff are supported by generous volunteers who share their time and skills to further the cause.
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Next time you're in Paeroa, make sure to visit! It's a place where you can find incredible deals, unleash your creativity, and join a community that is making a tangible impact on our environment. Together we can stop the throwaway culture and embrace the spirit of repairing and reusing items.