Wāhi Tukurua New Interim Resource Drop-off Centre to Boost Recycling and Waste Reduction in Mercury Bay

This milestone is more than just a new location — it marks the start of a new phase for the community-led initiative that’s been rallying Mercury Bay around sustainability, reuse, and meaningful environmental action.

Interim Site Secured and More Volunteers Needed 

With the interim site now confirmed, Wāhi Tukurua is one step closer to its long-term goal of establishing a permanent Resource Recovery Centre for Mercury Bay — a place where reusable items can be rescued from landfill, repaired, and rehomed.

Thanks to funding from the Ministry for the Environment, the Trust are putting a special focus on building and demolition waste. In particular things like timber, fixtures, fittings, and other reusable construction items. 

Starting Friday, 1st August, the charity will begin a soft launch at the new site. This involves setting up infrastructure, developing operating systems, and preparing to accept donations of reusable items from the public. Full operating hours and accepted items will be announced soon, but what the group really needs right now is volunteers.

“Whether you’re great with tools, love sorting treasures, or just want to be part of something good, we need you,” says Tracey Bell, Chair of Wāhi Tukurua. “This next chapter is all about building capacity and doing it with heart. Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do — and there’s a place here for everyone.”

Online Store is Live 

The Trust has begun to receive goods, and items are now available through their online store—view the Wahi Tukurua website to view the secondhand and salvaged items that have been listed. 

The site will continually be updated as new items become available - so the Trust recommend to regularly check for bargains. 

Hitting some incredible milestones

The Trust have reported some significant new milestones including:

• Securing this new interim waste recycling site
• Launch of an online sales channel
• Hiring their first two staff members  

The Trust reports that these steps are helping them not only to reduce landfill waste, generate sustainable income, but also to create local jobs. This achievement has been enabled by the dedication of Trust volunteers, and the support of Thames Coromandel District Council, Trust Waikato Pub Charity and MSD Projects in the Community Programme. 

A Grassroots Movement Making Real Change

Wāhi Tukurua, which means “place of warmth and generosity,” is a charity with a big vision: to inspire and support our community to live more sustainably and reduce waste in creative and connected ways. Entirely driven by volunteers until now, the group has grown from grassroots action to an award-winning organisation recognised across the Coromandel.

District Award Winners

Last November, Wāhi Tukurua was honoured with the Waste Minimisation and Environmental Award at the Hauraki Coromandel District Council Business Awards. As the only charity among the finalists, this win was more than just a trophy — it was a powerful symbol of what local communities can achieve when they come together for a cause.

"The award was truly for everyone who’s chosen to make a difference," says Tracey. "Every step, no matter how small, counts in our shared journey to reduce waste and protect our unique environment."

Pictured above: Kat Neilson-Jones, Tracey Bell and Megan Edmeades (Wāhi Tukurua Trustees) celebrating this milestone moment in November 2024.

How to get involved 

If you would like to get in involved with Wahi Tukurua as a volunteer to support this new recycling site drop them a line at hello@wahitukurua.co.nz and help them make it happen!