Ōmokoroa Gets Its Own Resource Recovery Centre This Month

A new Resource Recovery Centre is set to open in Ōmokoroa on 18 November, building on the success of a similar facility already operating in Katikati. The Ōmokoroa centre, located at 7A Prole Road, will open at 10am and aims to divert usable goods from landfill while creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

The initiative is run by the Resource Collective, led by Sharaine Steenberg and Shelley Robinson, whose team is drawn from the Chrome Collective Charitable Trust — a Katikati-based network of around 50 people with varying intellectual disabilities. The concept began as a six-month trial at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council-owned recycling centre on Tetley Road in early 2024, trading as the Katikati Resource Recovery Centre. The pilot proved so successful that operations there are now ongoing.

The centres accept donated furniture, homewares, e-waste, whiteware, tools, and outdoor equipment, which are cleaned, repaired, or upcycled before being sold back to the community. Steenberg says the model is about more than just goods. "Our mission has always been about creating opportunities — helping people develop skills, confidence, and independence," she said.

The Ōmokoroa centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4.30pm. The Katikati site continues to operate at the corner of Wills and Tetley roads on Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am–4pm. Anyone keen to donate items, shop sustainably, or join the team as a volunteer or staff member can get in touch at hello@resourcecollective.co.nz or phone 07 548 0008.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).