Presenter Profile - Deena Coster

Store Manager - All Heart Store Waitara

As Ngāti Rāhiri uri, I grew up in Waitara, where I now live and work.

I have previous careers in social work and journalism, and now manage the Waitara branch of the All Heart NZ organisation.

It is a profit-for-purpose enterprise, which is part of the circular economy.

By partnering with corporates and businesses, the All Heart kaupapa provides a redirection and resource recovery option, offering low-cost office supplies and homewares to communities, while creating jobs and opportunities for volunteers.

Reflections of a small community's approach to the Circular Economy

The goal to bring the All Heart NZ kaupapa to Waitara was a vision realised by Te Ara Hou Trust in November 2022.

Almost two years on, the fledgling franchise is slowly gaining ground in terms of its profile and customer base.

While there are ongoing challenges, there are also everyday successes. Store manager Deena Coster will share some of the highs and lows of trying to make a success out of a venture inspired by big goals in a small community like Waitara.

Presentation | Monday 7 October Part of the Circular Economy in Action Series