Abilities is a wonderful local North Shore business – a community recycling charity – that was founded with assistance and inspiration from local Rotarians 66 years ago, in 1959. Abilities has a rich history of empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. Their mission has been to provide work for people with disabilities. Able-bodied staff are also employed to work alongside those with disabilities. Over 110 people with disabilities are employed by Abilities, with around 150 staff in total. Over six decades, the employment opportunities provided by Abilities have changed lives, ensuring the staff feel valued, boosting their self-worth by providing value to their communities. Abilities has made a significant impact on the lives of so many disabled individuals and their families. The enterprise took a severe hit in late April when their premises on Hillside Road, Glenfield, were decimated as the result of a massive fire. This devastating fire tore through the site, causing extensive damage to their workspaces, tools and equipment. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the loss for the Abilities community has been immense, and the road to recovery will be long.

Channel Mag’s Aidan Bennett caught up with Abilities Group Managing Director Peter Fraher in late May to find out how the recovery is going. Benefitz, publishers of this magazine, have enjoyed a close association with Abilities for many years.

Aidan Bennett: Peter, four to five weeks on from the devastating fire, how are you and the Abilities management team feeling about the recovery process?
Peter Fraher: It’s been an emotional few weeks, to say the least. The fire was a devastating blow, not just to our operations but to the community we’ve built over decades. But amidst the shock, there’s been an overwhelming sense of building Abilities back bigger and better. We’re taking things one day at a time, but we’re feeling optimistic and we are looking forward. Our team is resilient, and the outpouring of support has been nothing short of incredible. That’s what’s carrying us forward.
It must be extremely heartwarming for you all to witness the generosity of the community since the fire. I understand that you have had lots of offers of support for all sorts of things, and a significant amount of money has been donated via the Give-A-Little page.
Absolutely. The generosity has been one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. We have had so much donated, from safety gear to forklift trucks to mugs and tea; the kindness has been extraordinary. The Give-A-Little campaign has also received a wonderful response and is now well over $250,000. Those funds are making a real difference as we begin the long road to rebuilding. It’s a true reminder that this community understands the value of inclusion and is right behind us.

Very importantly, how are all the staff coping?
Our staff with disabilities are the heart and soul of Abilities, and this has been an incredibly challenging time for them. Many of our team members thrive on routine, so the disruption has been tough, but they’ve shown incredible spirit. We’ve been doing everything we can to keep everyone connected and supported through twice-weekly team meetings over lunch at local community centres. They have been very popular, and often it has been standing room only! Our local support networks and disability advocates have been amazing.

What is the recovery looking like at this stage? Do you have new premises, and what is the estimated timeline to be up and running, to some extent, and then back to fully operational again?
We’ve been very fortunate to secure a new location in Wairau Valley, which has allowed us to resume some of our operations. We have focused on the work that employs more of our staff with disabilities first, to help get them back to their work routine in the local area. At this facility, we will recycle paper and confidential documents, plus carry out our contract packaging work. There’s still a lot of work ahead for our other operations, however, we have found a second site to recycle e-waste with generous support from Auckland Council, which we hope to have operational in a matter of weeks.

Are there any aspects of the recovery you’re still looking for help with?
Yes! While we’re incredibly grateful for everything received so far, there are still a few key areas where support would make a big difference. Every offer counts, and every bit helps us get closer to restoring full employment for our team. We need our customers to stay loyal and new customers to support us. Please join our social media so you can learn about the e-waste events we plan to hold with local community organisations. Rather than list everything, I encourage anyone who can help to send me an email at peter@abilities.co.nz.

Can you explain to our readers in one paragraph the services Abilities offers?
Abilities is a social enterprise that offers inclusive employment opportunities through recycling and contract packaging services. We specialise in secure document destruction, packaging and assembly, e-waste recycling and secure data destruction, and polystyrene and soft plastic recycling. Every job we take on not only delivers professional results but also provides meaningful work and purpose for people who often face barriers to employment.

How long have you been involved, and what do you love about the role of leading this very special business?
I’ve been part of the Abilities journey for over two decades, and it’s a privilege I never take for granted. What I love most is seeing people grow in confidence and self-belief through meaningful work. You see someone start shy and unsure, and within months, they’re proud, skilled, and part of something bigger than themselves. That transformation is something I will never tire of.

Looking ahead, complete the following. By the new year 2027, Abilities Group will be…
Thriving in a larger, safer facility, fully operational, and employing even more people with disabilities than ever before. We’ll be innovating in the recycling and sustainability space, expanding our services, and serving as a model for inclusive employment across New Zealand. Bigger, better and more connected than ever.

For more info visit abilities.co.nz