Rebuilding back stronger than ever: Takanini store reopens
When a devastating fire tore through our Takanini distribution centre and op shop in August last year, it came at an already challenging period for Tōtara Hospice. The blaze, which was determined to be arson, destroyed our largest storage hub – the place where thousands of generous community donations were sorted, cared for, and readied for sale to support hospice services.
In the immediate aftermath, the scale of the loss was overwhelming. Stock levels were wiped out, the building was beyond repair, and our retail teams stood in disbelief at what had been taken from them – and from the community they serve. Yet even in those early morning hours, our people did what they always do: they showed up. They stayed. They supported each other. And they began to rebuild.
A Community That Would Not Let Us Fall
Amid the shock and sadness, something remarkable happened. Our community wrapped around us. Donations arrived steadily. Words of encouragement poured in. Volunteers, supporters, and neighbours asked what they could do to help.
As Executive Lead of Capital and Clinical Development, Jo Chiplin, shared,
“We’ve had great support from the community so far… We couldn’t have gotten through this without them, and we can’t do what we do without their support.”
Thanks to this generosity, and a huge collective effort – we were able to secure a new home just down the road at 211 Great South Road, the former Takanini Traders building. With a smaller but efficient distribution centre, improved parking, and excellent visibility, it already feels like a perfect fit.
A Fresh Start: Beautifully Presented, Loved by Shoppers
The new Takanini store opened its doors on 1 December and was met with incredible enthusiasm. In fact, opening‑week sales were the highest in our retail history, and trading has remained consistently strong.
One shopper summed up the response beautifully,
“I would not have known this was an op shop — everything is laid out beautifully, so well presented, and easy to shop.”
The revamped space includes a brand‑new The 2nd Edition Boutique Pop‑Up, offering curated, high‑quality pieces for shoppers looking for something special. And soon, we’ll welcome the Aroha Eatery Pop‑Up Café, run entirely by volunteers and serving the same great coffee and kai loved at our Manurewa Hospice Hub.
Proudly Moving Forward — Together
While the fire was a painful setback, the story that followed is one of resilience, generosity, and community spirit. Every donated item, every dollar spent in store, and every bit of encouragement has helped Tōtara Hospice rebuild — not just what was lost, but something even stronger.
We invite you to visit our beautiful new Takanini store, explore the boutique collections, enjoy the new space, and see firsthand what your support has made possible.
