Kākahu Koha was more than just a pop-up shop—it was a lively, heartwarming event that brought smiles to the faces of care-experienced tamariki and rangatahi. This unique experience allowed them to ‘shop’ for free, choosing from a wide selection of brand-new clothing and accessories that suited their individual styles. Thanks to the incredible support from Common Equal, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as 91 people passed through the gates, each one leaving with a sense of pride and confidence in their new outfits.

But the day didn’t stop at just shopping. Attendees were treated to a full experience with barista-made coffee, rich hot chocolates, and even pampering sessions that included manicures. On top of that, everyone went home with complimentary L’Oréal products, adding an extra touch of luxury to their day. It was a true celebration of community and care, with our rangatira from the Youth Council leading the charge. These inspiring young leaders volunteered their time and energy, handling everything from setup to pack down, managing checkouts, and carefully sorting the L’Oréal products to ensure everyone got something special.

By the end of the event, roughly 100 items had been donated to our care community, a testament to the spirit of giving that defined the day. And the journey doesn’t end here—next stop: Nelson! We can’t wait to bring this incredible experience to even more tamariki and rangatahi across the country.