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Mariska van der Berg chats with HELENA O’NEILL about Habitat ReStore Op Shop in Pukekohe.
What is your role, and how long have you been in it?
I am the Manager of the Habitat ReStore Op Shop in Pukekohe. I started working with
Habitat in 2022 and have been in my current role for about two years.
What did you do before taking up this role?
I worked in the retail sector as a supervisor.
How many staff members work here? And how many volunteers?
We have 5 staff members and 19 regular volunteers.
What is the best thing about your volunteers?
Volunteers are truly the heart of Habitat’s mission. What I value most about them is their
incredible diversity – each person brings a unique story, background, and perspective. Their
unwavering commitment and generosity enable us to keep moving forward, focusing on what matters most: helping individuals and families in need of safe, affordable housing.
How long has ReStore been in Pukekohe, and when did you move?
We have been in Pukekohe for nine years. We officially opened at this new site on April 1, at 159A Manukau Road.
What do you love about ReStores?
I love the fact that we can contribute to Habitat’s mission through income from the ReStores, helping fund local housing programmes and initiatives.
I also love the fact that we all work together and build strong relationships in our team and in the community.
What has been the best find in the store?
The best find would have to be an antique flintlock pistol.
It was one of many unique items that were kindly donated to us from a house lot. Due to their circumstances, they had to sell their family farm, and they wanted to donate as many items as possible to charity. The pistol was discovered when we were unboxing and sorting through all the donations. Although we did not get a background story from this item, we knew it was something very special. This item did not last long and was sold to a local businessman, who was very pleased with his purchase.
What else do you love about your job?
I love the creativity of my job, and most of all the people! We have a good team which makes work fun.
What do you love about the community in Franklin?
Over the years, we have built great relationships with the local community, and through their support and donations, we can continue to provide vital housing initiatives.
Do you need volunteers? If so, in what roles and what do you need from volunteers?
We currently have a strong group of volunteers, but we always welcome new people who would like to help. They can simply come into the store to grab a volunteer application form or go to our website (www.habitat.org.nz/northern).
There are a variety of roles designed to suit volunteers of all skill levels. It may include things like customer service, sorting, cleaning, or even helping the driver on the truck.
Have there been any Franklin Habitat homes?
Yes, we have built ten houses in Pukekohe and two in Tuakau so far.
The first two were built in Puriri Road in 1993 and 1994 and were the first Habitat houses in New Zealand. Since then, we have built two in Childs Ave in 1996, then two in Beatty Road in 2002 and 2004. Two more were built in Dominion Road, Tuakau in 2009.
What is important about Habitat and its initiatives?
Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by providing families
with safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
We do this by:
- Providing homes
- Making homes habitable
- Promoting fair and decent housing
Habitat builds strength, stability and independence through shelter.
