Fixing the wasteful mindset

Disposing of New Zealand’s disposable culture is the aim of the latest repair and recycle event.

The Repair Cafe movement started in Holland in 2009 and there are now over 1100 cafes in 27 countries.

The latest is in Bayswater on Auckland’s North Shore.

Residents take broken items to the ‘cafe’ for repair. They’ll sit down with a volunteer who will do their best to fix the item while teaching the skills for attendees to fix things themselves in the future.

Coordinator Stephen McLuckie says it’s about bringing people together, saving money, learning new skills, cherishing community and reducing waste.

McLuckie asks that people don’t bring bulky items and says a good guideline is an item that one person can carry. He says people should only bring one item because of time constraints.

Megan Richardson is volunteering her time to help with sewing on the day and she says the ‘‘disposable society’’ mindset needs changing.

‘‘I believe in recycling, repurposing and upcycling and we don’t do enough of it,’’ Richardson says.

‘‘Sometime people think fixing stuff is difficult. Maybe it doesn’t get passed down any more’’

Anne-Marie Carr is also offering her skills on the day and says she hopes it will bring neighbours together and if successful they’ll do it more regularly.

McLuckie says the feedback from the community has been mostly positive.

He says even if people can’t bring things on the day, they can check in with someone for advice.

Volunteers on the day will have knowledge in clothing repair, fixing bikes, electric items and general repairs.

The day also features volunteers from the Devonport Community Recycling Centre, Blackleg Woodworks and Devonport Clay Store.

The Bayswater Repair Cafe will also include a kids space for repairing and upcycling and making sure the kids are entertained.

The cafe is the second in the country and will be held on July 30, 10am till 1pm at Bayswater School Hall.

If you’d like to be involved or want to double check about bringing a particular item contact Stephen on stephen@ancad.org.nz or 022 3907 199.

PHOTO: ZIZI SPARKS/FAIRFAX NZ Adults from left, Stephen McLuckie, Anne-Marie Carr and Megan Richardson with children Alice McLuckie, 6, and Zoe, 4, and Isaac Richardson, 7.