At Radius Taupaki Gables in Taupaki, creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. Located on the busy Taupaki Road, the care home’s community exchange station offers a space for residents and passersby to share, recycle and repurpose everyday items, from toys to books. What began as a simple idea, modelled after similar initiatives in the area, has evolved into a vibrant hub.
“We saw the potential in creating a space where things could be reused, not discarded,” said Laurel Winwood, manager of Radius Taupaki Gables.
“The traffic passing by means there’s always someone stopping to drop off or pick up something, keeping the station lively and fresh.”
Popular items like children’s toys and books are snapped up quickly, and the station’s constant turnover keeps people coming back for new treasures.
Residents lead the charge
The residents of Radius Taupaki Gables are deeply involved in the home’s sustainability efforts.
“Our residents are active and intrigued by what we’re doing,” said Winwood.
“During resident meetings, they’re full of ideas for new initiatives, and we love exploring what’s next.”
These efforts extend beyond the exchange station. Staff and residents have creatively turned old carpets into mini-golf courses, used bottle caps as bingo counters, and transformed discarded furniture into computer desks. Raised garden beds produce silverbeet and tomatoes for the kitchen, with residents happily tending to the plants.
“We had a bumper crop of tomatoes last summer, and we’ve been enjoying silver beet more recently,” added Winwood.
“We continue to compost and use it to enrich the gardens, which is a collective effort.”
Rescue chickens found their forever home
The home has also adopted six rescue battery hens, which residents care for lovingly.
“We’re aware that owning fancy chickens has become trendy, but we urge our fellow rural folk to consider rescues instead. Chickens make great pets, and our residents love them,” said Winwood.
The hens, once in poor condition, now live comfortably in a refurbished playhouse-turned-coop, proving that even the smallest efforts can make a big impact.
Radius Taupaki Gables shows that sustainability and creativity are a powerful combination, with its community exchange station leading the charge for greener living.
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