The Howick Presbyterians Opportunity Shop is located on the church premises on the Corner of Vincent St and Ridge Rd Howick. Shop hours are
Monday – Friday 10am-2pm
Saturdays 10am-12pm.
The Opportunity Shop History
The Howick Presbyterian Church Opportunity Shop was established in 1972 in order to facilitate mission among poorer families in South Auckland. Clothes and knickknacks donated at St Andrews were cleaned sorted and priced by ladies at the twice weekly 'depot', and delivered over to the shop in Kew Lane Otara. This outlet was served by teams of women and men from Howick Presbyterian Church and other faith communities, opening five days a week and for some time also on Saturday mornings. Over the years thousands of dollars have been raised, some going back to the PCANZ for outreach work, and some resourcing local mission in Howick. Each month a tithe of the profits is distributed to needy causes around Otara. eg kindergartens, hospice etc. In 2000 a shop was opened at the depot in Howick, in response to competition from Otara markets and in face of increasing difficulty with staffing. At the end of 2001 the Kew Lane lease was allowed to expire and the retail aspect is now entirely located at refurbished facilities at the Howick site. Monies raised will still be distributed to Otara as envisaged by the original committee in 1972.
