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Saints Cycles manager Leo Dottridge believes in keeping bikes on the road for as long as possible. He will be one of a number of people who will share their skills at the Repair Café.
Broken electrical items, bikes and wooden furniture are just some of the items that will be fixed for free at the area’s first Repair Café next month.
The one-day event is a joint venture between Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and the Whangaparaoa Community Hub.
Zero Waste spokesperson Betsy Kettle says a registered electrician who specialises in small appliances will be on hand to do the electrical repairs.
“Every device will be tested first to establish whether or not it is worth repairing,” Betsy says. “If not, the owners will have the option of paying a few dollars to have it recycled, or they can take it home and dispose of it themselves.”
The café will accept two items per family, but residents are asked not to bring in any petrol-driven devices such as lawnmowers. There also won’t be the expertise to repair oil heaters or any IT equipment such as printers and computers.
“The café will be a place where people can not only get items repaired, but also learn repair skills. It will be fun, educational and empowering, and will save people money in not having to replace the item.”
Clothing repairs is another service that will available and the organisers hope to have a 3D printer to assist in repairing toys.
The café will utilise a specially built Repair Café trailer from Devonport, which includes dozens of tools for carpentry, alterations, electrical repair, bicycle work and general repairs.
Repair Cafes have already been run in Matakana and Browns Bay.
“If our day is successful, we will certainly look at running more,” Betsy says. “The idea of repairing rather than throwing away household items fits well with the zero waste philosophy.”
The Hibiscus Coast’s first Repair Café will be held at 707 Whangaparaoa Road on November 3, from 9am to 3pm. Koha will be gratefully accepted to help cover costs.
If anyone has a skill they would like to donate on the day, please contact Betsy at hibiscuscoastzerowaste@gmail.com
