Abilities Group employees left “heartbroken” when their factory went up in flames on Auckland’s North Shore two months ago are finally back to doing what they love.
The fire tore through the charities’ recycling depot building in Wairau Valley shortly before 5.30pm on April 24, prompting beaches to close and leaving the workers without jobs, income or purpose.
At the time, Abilities Group managing director Peter Fraher said the fire destroyed critical equipment and spaces essential to daily operations, and “the impact on the team has been immense”.
“Abilities is more than a workplace — it’s a supportive environment where disabled people find purpose, opportunity, and community. Losing that is a huge blow.”
Two months later, the charity announced it was operating out of four sites across Auckland.
“Everybody has pulled together. It’s been an amazing team effort. Not just one person, but an amazing team effort,” Fraher told Seven Sharp.
He said a Givealittle page was set up following the fire which generated so much internet traffic, it crashed.
“Fortunately, we got it back up and running again,” he laughed.
The email inbox “went beserk” with people wanting to donate money, items and their time to get the charity moving again.
The Givealittle fundraiser fetched a whopping $280,000 – which also allowed staff to be kept on and paid while temporary work sites were established.
“We were so lucky to have a working bee of certified builders who came in and a lot of volunteers in fact, and it was a magic day.”
“The plan is a much bigger site in the Wairau Valley. We haven’t secured it yet, but we have placed an offer on it.”
He said buying the property would be “the ultimate”.
“For all our staff, something where it’s theirs forever,” he said. “It’s quite humbling to be the recipients of such support. It keeps you going, too. That’s for sure. It’s a great motivator because we’re not going to let those people down.”
Abilities worker Michael Oram said the support from people around New Zealand had been “amazing”.
“I love everything about this place,” he said. “I am so happy to be back with them.”
