Habitat op shops contribute to massive savings for NZ households

New Zealand op shops contribute $78M to communities annually, according to research by leaders from five major purpose-driven organisations – including Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat is a founding member of Charitable Reuse Aotearoa, a new peak body for the op shop and reuse sector, alongside Hato Hone St John, Hospice NZ, Red Cross, Salvation Army, SPCA and St Vincent de Paul.

Nic Greene, Habitat Central Region Chief Executive attended the Charitable Reuse Aotearoa launch at parliament on 28 July 2026, along with Tracey Cameron, Habitat Central Support Services Manager and Charitable Reuse Aotearoa committee member.

The peak body’s research shows that New Zealand’s op shops keep an estimated 41,300 tonnes out of landfill and save people $844 million each year. Charities reinvested $78 million into their social and community programmes.

Nic Greene says that until now, op shops have been underestimated in terms of their contribution to society through funds raised for social good and savings returned to shoppers.

“To think that New Zealand op shops reuse 46.9 million items in a year is astounding.

“Not only is this keeping goods out of landfill, but it is having a real impact in terms of cost of living relief. Op shops saved New Zealanders $844 million compared to buying new, which translates to a saving of $420 per NZ household.”

Op shops are a key part of the circular economy in New Zealand. Habitat for Humanity is proud to contribute to this though our ReStore op shops which raise crucial funds for decent homes.