This year, we’re getting behind Secondhand September! We’re going to dip our toes into this celebration as a community, see what we can build together, and start thinking about how we can make next year even bigger.
We’d love to hear from you if you have an idea for a secondhand event in 2026 or a future year? Whether it’s a clothing swap, repair pop-up, market, upcycling workshop, fashion show, talk, challenge or something completely different – let’s see what we can create.
Why think secondhand?
Choosing secondhand for some is all about saving money, but there are other wins too
♻️ Keep useful things in circulation rather than sending them to landfill.
🌏 Reduce the resources needed for new products – including raw materials, energy and water.
💚 Reduce waste and our environmental footprint by making the most of what already exists.
🛠️ Support a repair, reuse and reuse-again mindset rather than a buy-and-discard culture.
💰 Save money – and sometimes you can find something much more interesting than you would in a regular shop!
🏘️ Support local community organisations and businesses when you shop locally.
✨ And perhaps most importantly, secondhand makes us stop and think: Do I really need something new? Could I borrow it, repair it, swap it or find it secondhand instead?
South Canterbury Secondhand September Community Calendar
Here’s what is happening in the South Canterbury community so far!
Detail for events can be found here
- Wardrobe to Wallet Pop-up (hosted by Samantha)
- St John Garage Sale – Fairlie
- Eco Talk – Slow Down Fashion
- Repair Cafe
- Pre-loved Clothing Market
Want to add your event? Get in touch with Alice – we’d love to include it!
“Do the Rounds”
Here are the South Canterbury secondhand shop directories to help you “do the rounds” – visit multiple shops!
- Timaru District – secondhand shopping directory
- Waimate District – secondhand shopping directory including a map!
- Mackenzie District – more information can be found at the Fairlie Resource Centre
So, before you buy new this September, have a look around and see what you can find secondhand first!
