Unlocking Closet Potential: Uber and New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive calls on Kiwis to put their best clothes forward
Kiwi wardrobes are packed with quality clothing waiting for its next chapter, and giving pre-loved clothes a second life is about to get even easier. Returning for its fourth year on Saturday, 17 October 2026, the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive is tapping into a simple truth: donating feels good, especially when doing good comes with zero hassle.
New research* commissioned by Uber reveals that while nine in ten Kiwis (89%) have unworn clothes sitting in their wardrobes, one in three Kiwis (33%) are sitting on at least $500 worth of clothing they no longer wear. The desire to give back is high, with one in five Kiwis (22%) saying the main reason they have kept clothes they no longer wear is simply because they struggle to find the time to donate.
On Saturday 17 October 2026, between 10am and 4pm, the annual Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive serves up FREE Courier deliveries in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, to pick up quality pre-loved clothes straight from doorsteps to New Zealand Red Cross, turning wardrobe admin into an instant feel-good win for Kiwis.
This year’s research also uncovers Kiwis’ favourite wardrobe quirks, from holding onto “just in case” outfits (36%) to waiting for 90s trends to come back - with 37% holding onto cargo jackets and jeans, and 22% holding onto skinny jeans, leather jackets and band tees. Some clothes are even being forgotten, with more than a third (37%) admitting to rediscovering clothes they had completely forgotten they owned.
Donating can be personal and sentimental (16%), which is why Melanie C - global pop icon and this year’s campaign ambassador - is now encouraging Kiwis to embrace the feeling of letting go of pre-loved clothes. Leading by example, Sporty Spice is parting with some of her own memorable looks, including a tracksuit and dress, proving that passing on pre-loved fashion feels just as good as wearing it.
Andy Bowie, Managing Director of Uber Eats New Zealand, says the annual Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive aims to turn good intentions into action.
"Many of us know the feeling of wanting to donate, but it somehow falls into the too-hard basket. We know the impact donating can have, and Uber is uniquely placed to continue supporting New Zealand Red Cross’ humanitarian work in New Zealand and further around the world. That’s why we are excited to make the process as effortless and convenient as possible by offering free Courier deliveries through the Uber and Uber Eats apps this October. We're taking the friction out of giving back so more Kiwis can easily donate.”
Sophie Jones, In-Store Experience and Product Sourcing Lead, New Zealand Red Cross, says quality donations can go far beyond the wardrobe, helping Red Cross Shops turn quality donations into support for communities across New Zealand.
“Every year, the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive creates a real buzz in our shops across the country. We look forward to seeing the donations arrive, and once those pieces start flowing into stores, our customers are often just as excited to discover the new arrivals.
“The quality of what people donate really matters. We encourage people to ask themselves one simple question: ‘Would I give this to a family member or friend?’
“Every item we can sell helps raise vital funds for humanitarian work across Aotearoa New Zealand, from emergency response and refugee resettlement to community programmes, and supports humanitarian work around the world.”
Last year, Kiwis donated more than 64,500 kilograms of clothing through the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive, equivalent to around 32 mid-sized trucks and up from more than 42,000 kilograms donated in 2024.
Each donation of quality, pre-loved clothing helps New Zealand Red Cross raise funds to support people and communities across Aotearoa. By clearing out their wardrobes, Kiwis can give their clothes a second life while supporting humanitarian programmes that make a difference throughout the year.
For more information on the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive, visit: Uber.com/redcross
Notes to editor:
*The research was conducted by SightX, among a sample of 1,007 18+ respondents in New Zealand. The data was collected between 25.08.26 - 31.08.26. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all New Zealand adults (aged 18+).
Key findings of the research:
- Nine in ten Kiwis (89%) have clothing sitting unworn in their wardrobe, with more than four in ten (42%) saying over a quarter of their wardrobe is untouched.
- One in three Kiwis (33%) estimate they have at least $500 worth of unused clothing, while for one in six (16%) that figure climbs to $1,000 or more.
- Good intentions are not always translating into action, with more than one in five Kiwis (22%) saying they keep clothes they no longer wear because they mean to donate them but never get around to it.
- Forgotten favourites are common too, with 37% rediscovering clothes they had completely forgotten they owned and 36% keeping a “just in case” outfit they never actually wear.
- Almost one in five Kiwis (18%) say more than half of their wardrobe goes unworn.
- Sentimentality is the main reason 16% of Kiwis hold onto clothes they no longer wear.
- Cargo fashion leads the comeback wish list, with 37% holding onto the trend in the hope it returns.
How to donate on Saturday 17 October:
Gather your pre-loved items into a bag or box, no heavier than 20 kg, so it can comfortably sit in the boot of a midsize car. Then:
- Open the Uber or Uber Eats app
- Scroll to the Red Cross Clothing Drive image, and tap
- Read through instructions and hit ‘book now’ to reach the checkout screen
- You should see ‘Red Cross Clothing Drive’ on screen, and the drop-off spot should be pre-selected for you.
- If you’re in an eligible city, the Red Cross Clothing Drive promotion should automatically apply, so check that your Courier trip is showing as a $0 amount
- Confirm!
If you have any issues or can’t see the tile? Head to the Uber App > Courier > type in ‘Red Cross Shop’ > Pick the first option shown > Confirm.
Keep an eye on the app and meet the delivery person at the door or kerbside for a seamless handoff.