Thrift shop gets over 520kg in donations this year alone

A student run thrift store in Otago sifted through over 520kg of donations this year.

Te Oraka, which runs on the principles of the circular economy, employs five local uni students and sells clothes, refurbed bikes and grooming products, with all profits fed back into the business.

Maggie Craw has been working there for five years, and while she’s paid the living wage, she would do it for free, she says.

“It’s better than I’ve been paid anywhere else and it’s more fun work than I’ve done anywhere else so I’m just really grateful for that,” she told RNZ podcast Thrift.

It favours items made from natural materials that can be repaired, turning away fast fashion items made from cheap, synthetic fabrics.

“We see a lot of donations coming through, a lot less fast fashion brands and a lot more cool, unique, thrifted items. Compared with a couple of years ago, when at least 60 percent of the items were from chain stores,” says Jess Triscott from the University of Otago’s sustainability office.

Mixed in among the second-hand goods are items that have been made by students, the shop sold 176 student-made items this year.

“Students aren’t just popping in to look at clothing. They can look at jewellery, candles. Something that a student’s crocheted from repurposed wool – heaps of little goodies,” says Triscott.

Profits from Te Oraka subsidise a refillery which sells environmentally friendly brands of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and dishwashing liquid. Students can refill their containers for between $3 to $6.

The circular economy also extends to bike repair at Te Oraka. Jack Marsh and Emily Cambridge refurbish bikes to sell to students. Many of the bikes are reclaimed from landfill.

Cambridge says 117 pre-loved bikes were sold in 2025, many to international students.

Emerson Kane greeted the more than 12,000 students that walked through the door in 2025 and handles transactions. For her it’s been an opportunity to connect with people in a new country.

“I also make the coffee and then I help with the lovely staff restock everything.”

Te Oraka won the Student Engagement category of the International Green Gown Awards this year and sales were up 111 percent from 2024.