A simple bucket of old coins at Resene ColorShop Tauranga is helping transform forgotten currency into life-changing opportunities for young New Zealanders.

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions member Bernie Allen is encouraging locals to rummage through drawers, jars and cupboards for unused coins and foreign currency as part of the nationwide Heads Up for Kids initiative.

People just need to drop their old coins at Resene ColorShop Tauranga on Waihi Rd, Judea, during the store’s opening hours of 7am-5pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30am-4pm and Sundays 9am-2pm.

The project, supported by Lions Clubs New Zealand in partnership with Resene, has been quietly making a difference for more than a decade.

Collection tins in Resene ColorShops nationwide allow people to donate obsolete or unused money that would otherwise sit idle.

Store manager Craig Bennett said their Judea store had supported the initiative for about 10 years.

“We’d love to see more people get behind it,” he said.

“It’s such an easy way to help – just bring in coins you’re not using and drop them in.”

Despite the long-running effort, Bennett admitted the local collection tin was looking a little light – something the Lions hoped would soon change with increased awareness via the Weekend Sun.

Bethlehem Te Puna Lion Bernie Allen with collection buckets for old coins at Resene ColorShop Tauranga. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The Reserve Bank previously estimated that households hold hundreds of old coins each, while Lions clubs believed millions of dollars in obsolete and unused currency remained out of circulation throughout New Zealand.

While pre-decimal currency was no longer legal tender, it could still be redeemed for its face value, and many older coins also carried metal value. Foreign currency was sorted and either exchanged or recycled.

For Lions, the appeal lies in its simplicity: donating costs nothing.

“All this obsolete cash is turned into real funding for young Kiwis,” Allen said. “It helps provide opportunities they might not otherwise get.”

Bethlehem Te Puna Lion Bernie Allen with Resene ColorShop Tauranga manager Craig Bennett. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Since 2010, the initiative had collected more than 26 tonnes of coins, raising more than $560,000. The funds support education and development programmes, including scholarships to organisations such as the Spirit of Adventure Trust and the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

Across New Zealand, Lions clubs run a wide range of youth initiatives, from leadership programmes to international exchanges, aimed at helping young people reach their potential.

Allen, who is also well known locally for his volunteer work at community events such as ParkRun, said the coin project is just another way to give back.

“I’m not really into the spotlight,” he said. “I just enjoy helping the community.”

With collection points available at Resene ColorShops nationwide, including Tauranga, the message is simple: those forgotten coins could make a meaningful difference.

So next time you come across a stash of old change, consider dropping it into the bucket – because small change can create big opportunities.