From Victorian vibrators to top secret defense notes, you truly never know what you might find at your local possibility shop.
The thrill of any op shop outing is never knowing exactly what you are going to unearth. It might be a sealed copy of The Amazing Adventures of Mr Bean on VHS, it might be a disembodied hairdressing mannequin head from the 1980s, and it might even be a watercolour painting of yourself as a baby. I have encountered all three of these things before,and yet none are anywhere near as bizarre and intense as discovering notes regarding our national security.
Last week, Newsroom revealed that top secret defence notes were discovered by a humble shopper in a Hutt valley Salvation Army store. The handwritten notes were taken by a New Zealand defence officer attending a Five Eyes forum in the UK, which prohibited any recording devices as the details was “likely to damage national interest in a serious manner.” What nobody accounted for was that Gladys at the Sallies would soon have her paws on the intel.
While this particular op shop find “brought to light the secret role of New Zealand defence staff who have supported and assisted Five Eyes preparation for a potential war with China” it also raised another equally critically important question: what the hell else might be lurking out there? I used my two Eyes to go hunting for more of the wildest op shop finds that have made headlines in Aotearoa.
Bleak mayoral desk documents (Wellington southern Landfill Tip Shop, Wellington)
Table of Contents
It’s clearly been a huge year for humble thrifters stumbling upon highly sensitive information. Just a week before Newsroom published their scoop on the Sallies five Eyes notes, NZ Herald revealed that over a decade of Wellington Council’s “dirty laundry” was passed onto a member of the public when he bought an old desk for $200 from the tip shop. The raft of documents found by builder Raymond Morgan date from the 1980s-2000s and include sexual harassment allegations, porn use, and personal grievance claims. The privacy breach is now being investigated by council. “I just find it absolutely amazing that they would not check to see what was in locked cupboards and drawers,” said Morgan.
Victorian-era vibrator (Nelson Environment Center Reuse shop, Nelson)
There was a huge buzz at the Nelson Environment Centre in 2023 when an extremely curious item was dropped off with a large donation of old medical equipment.”Our first thoughts were it might potentially be a portable blood pump, as of its oscillating end,” Nelson Environment Centre chief executive Anton Drazevic told RNZ. A little bit of research revealed that it was in fact a Victorian-era vibrator, touted at the time as a device that was able to cure female “hysteria”. Drazevic planned on approaching Te Papa with the find. “I would hope a piece like this would stay here,it found its way to New Zealand so I think we should keep it,” he said.
Intriguing war relic (Hospice Green Shed Shop, Kerikeri)
In a heartwarming tale of serendipity and community spirit, a collection of lost heirloom rings was discovered hidden inside a donated clock at a Red cross Shop in Ōrewa, New Zealand. This story highlights the often-unseen journeys of donated items and the emotional importance they can hold. The rings were ultimately returned to their grateful family, demonstrating the power of local organizations and a bit of luck.
The Discovery at the Ōrewa Red Cross Shop
Maryanne Sikora,the general manager of the Ōrewa Red Cross Shop,stumbled upon the surprising find while preparing a “cheap,plastic clock” for sale. According to Stuff, the clock had been in the shop for several weeks before a customer inquired about its internal workings. Upon opening the clock, Sikora discovered a small compartment containing several rings.
Initial Assessment and Concern
Sikora immediately recognized the rings weren’t typical costume jewelry. Their quality and appearance suggested they were valuable heirlooms. This realization prompted a careful investigation to locate the original owner. The Red cross team understood the potential emotional and monetary value of the rings and were steadfast to reunite them with their rightful owner.
The Search for the Owner
the Red Cross Shop took several steps to identify the rings’ owner. They initially posted photos of the rings on their facebook page, hoping someone would recognize them. This proved to be a crucial step in initiating the search.The post quickly gained traction,reaching a wide audience and eventually connecting with the family who had lost the rings.
Social media played a pivotal role in this story.The facebook post generated numerous shares and comments,significantly expanding the reach of the search. It wasn’t long before a family member recognized the rings and contacted the Red Cross Shop. This demonstrates the power of online platforms in connecting people and resolving lost-and-found situations.
The Rings’ Journey and Emotional Significance
The rings belonged to a family who had lost them during a house move several years prior. The family had presumed the rings were lost forever and were overjoyed to have them returned. The rings held notable sentimental value, representing generations of family history and cherished memories. The collection included a variety of rings, each with its own unique story and meaning.
A Family’s Relief and Gratitude
The family expressed immense gratitude to Maryanne Sikora and the Red Cross Shop for their honesty and dedication in locating them. The return of the rings brought a sense of closure and relief, restoring a piece of their family heritage. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the kindness of strangers.
Key Takeaways
- Donated items can hold unexpected treasures and sentimental value.
- Social media can be a powerful tool for reuniting lost items with their owners.
- Organizations like the Red Cross play a vital role in communities, going above and beyond to help others.
- Honesty and integrity are crucial when dealing with perhaps valuable items.
This remarkable story underscores the human connection fostered through charitable organizations and the unexpected joys that can arise from simple acts of kindness. It’s a testament to the enduring value of heirlooms and the importance of preserving family history. As donation practices continue to evolve, stories like this will likely become more common, highlighting the need for careful examination and responsible handling of donated goods.