Source: Auckland Council
A DIYers dream come true is coming soon to the Waitematā Local Board area.
If you’ve always wanted to get stuck into that big project but you’ve been held back by lack of the right tools or suitable workshop space, read on.
Community-led, volunteer-run organisations Hackland and Auckland Library of Tools currently run out of a shared space in Kingsland. But this summer they’ll be moving into a new space in Grey Lynn, on the fringe of the city centre.
“We want to increase our visibility and our reach into higher-density communities where there’s a lot of demand for our services” says Hackland co-founder Helena Teichrib.
Hackland applied to Waitemata Local Board’s Quick Response Grants Programme for financial support for the big move and to set up the new premises.
“We have many heavy tools that require specialist moving equipment. We also need to set up safety systems to run some of our specialist equipment like dust extractors and fire extinguishers.”
Waitematā Local Board Chair Richard Northey says the board was very pleased to be able to allocate $3000 in support.
“We’re excited to welcome both Hackland and Auckland Library of Tools into our local board area.
“We’re really supportive of the work they do and the opportunities they provide. We know it will be of great benefit to the people and communities here in Waitematā.”
Both organisations are aligned in the ethos of minimising waste and sharing resources.
Helena Teichrib says as well as members having access to space and equipment that they may not have otherwise had, she’s seen how members have become empowered from learning new skills and becoming more self-reliant.
“We’re building a strong and sustainable community. Everyone is welcome,” she says.
Regular members work on a diverse range of projects using shared resources like power tools, laser-cutters, 3D printers, soldering irons, screen cutters and sewing machines.
Tom Greer, Auckland Library of Tools co-founder, says they want to help people do more while owning and spending less.
“We’ve seen so many great projects completed with the tools we have, everything from planter boxes to community gardens and tiny houses. One member even converted a refrigerated truck into a portable sauna using our tools.”
They hope to see more tool libraries and makerspaces set up across Tāmaki Makaurau and the rest of the country.
Find out more about Waitematā Local Board grants on our website.
