Whanganui's Koha Shed working hard towards Duncan St land purchase

Koha Shed manager Sherron Sunnex hopes to raise enough money to buy the Duncan St premises from the Whanganui District Council. Photo/ Bevan Conley

The Koha Shed is steadily working towards purchasing the section it occupies in Whanganui's Duncan St.

The land was formerly home to the Whanganui East Scout group and the Koha Shed moved there in 2015.

"We sell T-shirts for $2 each and each time we sell one, I think that's another blade of grass we can buy," says manager and founder Sherron Sunnex.

The land was listed by the Whanganui District Council last year as a site that may be sold to pay off debt.

"We have a five-year lease and have been offered first right of refusal," says Sunnex.

"I think the council would like us to stay here but it would give me peace of mind to know that this will be a permanent home."

The council have not named a price for the land but Sunnex said the fundraising committee is aiming to raise $40,000.

"We are constantly looking at ways to raise money and we have had a few successful garage sales and raffles recently."

The Koha Shed is participating in Z's Good in the Hood community fundraising programme where customers can vote with tokens at the Dublin St garage and Sunnex says they have a couple of fun events planned for winter.

"School ball season is coming up and we have some beautiful donated gowns in stock.

"We will hold a fundraising pop-up shop at Whanganui East School Hall on June 23 and 24.

"We have also got a range of vintage clothing and leather garments to sell."

The Koha Shed has also had some collectable antique china pieces donated and they will be sold at two Mad Hatter's Tea Parties scheduled to be held at Duncan Pavilion in July.

"It will be a bit of midwinter fun for people to come along in their mad hats and score some lovely china."

Since the Koha Shed moved to its Duncan St premises, it has established thriving vegetable gardens which supplement emergency food parcels and designated delivery and sorting days mean that the "shop" area is well organised with everything neatly displayed.

The Koha Shed at 88 Duncan St is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 3pm.

Volunteers are always welcome to help with sorting, gardening and transporting.