A large-scale Red Cross Processing Centre in Tauranga is open for public view from Monday February 2.
Before the Cameron Rd centre opened six months ago, donated good were sorted at each Red Cross shop, but it became too much to manage.

'The warehouse centralises everything at one point, so stock is consistently priced and distributed, in order to provide high-quality second-hand goods,” says regional retail manager Bronwyn Tubman.
Items including clothing, manchester, furniture and electrical goods are processed and dispersed to the Mount Maunganui, Greerton and Cameron Rd stores.
Currently, the centre has enough volunteers to open three days a week, but Bronwyn says five days is the ultimate goal.
'This whole operation is a huge step for Red Cross in the Bay of Plenty and we need more people to be part of it,” says Bronwyn.
Processing Centre coordinator Noeleene says volunteering need not be a huge commitment.
'We welcome people from all walks of life for however long people can give – be it an hour a week or a day a fortnight.”
Although each volunteer has their working role, there is plenty of opportunity to meet new people and socialise.
'The community has got to support people around them to survive and volunteering with Red Cross is one way of doing that. That's how we're going to get through this economic down-turn,” says Noeleene.
Staff check, tag and box all items, which are then stored until requested by shops.
Electrical goods are also tested by retired electrician John Turner, who makes sure items are fit for sale.
The centre at 353 Cameron Rd (down the driveway next to Cafe 359) is open to anyone interested from 10am-2pm on Monday, February 2, 10, 18 and 26.
For inquiries, phone Noeleene on 07 578 3575.