It seems there is such a thing as a "free lunch" in Dunedin after all.
University of Otago theatre student Feather Shaw (19) has established the Free Shop, where people can take used clothing, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs and household items from the shop's shelves and not pay a cent for it.
"It's going to run like a permanent garage sale - only everything will be free."
Miss Shaw said "free stores" were common in Europe and were able to operate thanks to public donations of goods, which were then passed on to people in need.
"In today's society, people are relying on money so much. This is a way to show them that there is such a thing as a free lunch.
"This is all about helping others and encouraging an anti-capitalist gift economy where material items are shared and given, not hoarded and hidden.
"Everything we've sourced is free. All it costs is time."
Miss Shaw said the Free Shop had collected more than a van-load of clothing so far, and there was more to come.
"We've been quite overwhelmed by the support we've received from the community."
The group is searching for a free garage or basement as a base for its operation, but in the meantime it has taken its store on the road.
"At this stage, we're operating out of the back of a red Ford van. Once we get a permanent base, we will still keep the van so that we can go out to other communities in Dunedin."
As well as providing clothing and household items, the shop would be a place where people could congregate to teach and learn from each other, she said.
"It is promoting recycling, sharing and love, which really is in everyone's interest."
