Zero Waste Charity Store is a community-powered charity store with a difference. Everything we sell has been donated, rescued, or restored for a second life. Every purchase keeps something out of landfill, supports our community, and helps fund the journey to a zero waste Aotearoa.
We're looking for hands-on retail assistants to support the setup, launch, and day-to-day running of the store.
This is a practical, customer-facing role. You'll help get the store ready, keep stock moving, serve customers, receive donations, maintain strong presentation standards, and help create a store experience people want to come back to.
About the role
As Retail Assistant, you'll work closely with the Retail Manager and Retail Supervisor / 2IC to help establish the Zero Waste Charity Store as a strong, sustainable new venture.
You'll support the day-to-day operations of the store, follow store routines and standards, help manage stock flow and presentation, serve customers, support donors, and keep the store looking and feeling great.
There are opportunities for 1 x full-time (40 hours per week) and 2 x part-time Retail Assistants (12-15 hours per week). Weekend availability will be required. Localised is a big advocate for the living wage and this role will be paying $30 per hour.
About you - Retail, customer service, or community-facing experience would be an advantage
- A hands-on approach and willingness to jump in where needed
- Confidence working with customers and donors
- Good attention to detail
- A practical, positive, solutions-focused mindset
- Reliable, punctual, and ready to contribute
- Comfortable working in a busy, physical, team-based environment
- Someone who takes pride in doing the work well
Experience in retail or a customer facing role is ideal and an interest in charity retail, second-hand retail, reuse, sustainability or social enterprise would be an advantage.
What you'll be doing - Help get the store set up and launch-ready
- Support day-to-day store operations
- Serve customers and support a great in-store experience
- Receive and handle donations respectfully and practically
- Help manage stock flow, pricing, merchandising, and presentation
- Keep the shop floor and back-of-house areas tidy, safe, and organised
- Support promotions, events, workshops, and in-store activations
- Help build a retail operation that is practical, welcoming, and well-run
Why this role is different
Most charity stores are doing good. We're also trying to change the system.
Zero Waste Charity Store is part of the Localised whānau, a network of zero waste hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau. This store is about more than selling second-hand goods. It's about creating a great retail experience, keeping good stuff in circulation, strengthening community, and backing the wider systems change Aotearoa needs.
Why join us - Be part of launching a new retail venture from the ground up
- Do meaningful work with a visible community and environmental impact
- Help create a store with a clear point of difference
- Work in a values-led social enterprise with ambition
- Play a practical, hands-on role in a venture with real growth potential
To apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter let us know if you are looking for a full time or part time position, why this role interests you and what you'd bring to it. We have partnered with Kin to support us to find an incredible team for the new store. If you have any questions before applying, please email Paula Harrington at
[email protected]. Applications close on June 12th 2026
*Please note to be eligible for this opportunity, you will hold a valid Work Visa that allows you to be employed in New Zealand.