If you’ve ever popped into the WISE Curtain Bank, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Yvonne, the lovely woman with a big smile, quietly working away behind the sewing machine. She’s been the magic behind hundreds of custom curtains that now keep homes across Taranaki warm and dry.
Who is Yvonne?
Originally from Canada, Yvonne’s called Aotearoa home for over 40 years. She first picked up sewing in Year 7 and 8 through a Home Economics class back in school, the kind where you learn real-life skills that stick with you. Since then, she’s sewn clothes for her kids, repurposed all sorts of materials, and always believed in the power of practical education.
She started volunteering with us in October 2024, simply wanting to help out and put her skills to good use. And help she has! On top of her sewing talents, Yvonne’s brought loads of experience from her computer, admin, fundraising and volunteering roles within the community.
What is the Curtain Bank?
Good question. The WISE Curtain Bank takes donated curtains (and fabric), carefully refurbishes them: resizing, lining, sewing them up properly, and then gives them out to families who need them. It’s completely free. The aim is to keep homes warmer, drier, and more energy-efficient for whānau doing it tough.
And guess who leads that mahi? Yep, Yvonne. She turns big piles of donated fabric into beautifully finished, insulated curtains that are made to fit each home.
“I love working here,” she says. “I really like it, it’s quiet, and because I’ve got my own area, I can stay focused and get the jobs done.”
Her sewing room’s filled with all sorts: fabric rolls, recycled curtain rails, even donated pyjamas for our annual Pyjama Drive. And somehow, she keeps everything moving with ease, thanks to her calm nature, sharp mind, and steady hands.
Building something BIGGER
Over the summer break, Yvonne was busy thinking about how to make the Curtain Bank even better. She came back in the new year with proposals, process improvements, and whole new systems.
Now we’ve got proper templates, a smooth stock tracking process, and clear flowcharts that show how everything works, from curtain washing to folding, tagging, and sending out.
She also helped us understand how important it is to collect data and show impact. This allows us to demonstrate the value of our mahi, not just with curtains, but across all the support services WISE offers. It also guides us to plan smarter and collaborate more effectively as a team, knowing that every little bit counts toward a healthier community.
Why it matters
The Curtain Bank’s mission centres on sustainability, repurposing perfectly good fabric to reduce waste and provide for community needs, promoting the idea that new purchases are not always necessary.
“Basically, getting people to appreciate you don’t need to buy new all the time, you can repurpose, reuse, reinvent something.”
It’s also about learning. She believes basic skills like sewing, gardening, building, etc, are vital for strong, resilient communities. The kind of skills that keep people independent, creative, and connected.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can get involved:
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- Donate curtains: Got some spare ones at home? Drop them off at WISE HQ. We’ll put them to good use.
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- Volunteer: Join our curtain team or help with distribution.
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- Spread the word: Share this post with your mates. The more people who know, the better.
Every thread Yvonne sews is a stitch in the fabric of a healthier Taranaki. And we’re so proud to have her on the WISE team.
