This is no coffee establishment where people order flat whites and nibble on paninis.
Repair cafés are pop-up events all around Aoteroa as part of a global initiative, where locals bring in broken or damaged goods to be repaired by expert volunteers, rather than cluttering up landfill.
The aim is to change our throw-away culture and minimise waste. Better yet, the initiative brings people together and creates opportunities to collaborate.
Epsom’s sewing and general repair cafés are organised by the Chinese Conservation Education Trust and funded by Albert-Eden Local Board and Auckland Council’s WasteWise team. The trust holds sewing repair cafés on the first Friday of each month and a general repair café every three months. Items brought in for repair include electric appliances, devices and computers, clothing, wooden things and other valued items.
Volunteer elbows deep in electronics repair at Epsom Repair Cafe April 2023
In April 2023, during the Albert-Eden & Puketāpapa Eco Festival, the sewing repair café collaborated with second-hand clothing vendor Re:Generate, to alter pre-loved clothes for customers. The offering was hugely popular, resulting in 19 alterations.
The general repair café’s first event this year was hosted at Mt Eden Village Centre and received 47 items, with over 60 per cent repaired – saving 86kg of materials from landfill.
Repair café organiser, Estella Lee is proud of the team’s achievements. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without our wonderful volunteers. Luckily we had bilingual team members, who are Chinese and able to speak English, as most customers who came through only spoke English.”
About 30 people, including electricians and sewing technicians give up their time and expertise to help at each event.
Volunteers unpicking at Epsom Sewing Repair Cafe May 2023
Lee explains everyone bringing in items has a story to tell and becoming part of it makes every event extra meaningful.
“An older lady brought in two pairs of quality handmade trousers by her late husband. The lady wanted the trousers to be altered to fit her. It took a lot of work and time to refit them, but when we saw the smile on her face – everybody who helped was touched.”
It takes a village and Lee is grateful for the help.
“A big thank you to the Mt Eden Village Centre Trustee Board and to the Climate Action Network for facilitating the connection. We appreciate everyone’s contribution – Mt Eden Village Centre was very generous letting us use their venue.”
Sallyann Hingston from Mt Eden Village Centre is pleased to contribute. “We are more than happy to assist where we can and hope more people will participate in this great cause for the benefit of the environment and community.”
Keep an eye out for the next Epsom Repair Café returning on Sunday 23 July, 3pm – 6pm at Mt Eden Village Centre – 449 Mt Eden Road.
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