The Paekākāriki Tool Library is taking shape thanks to the initiative of a group of resourceful village residents.
The library will operate from the Scout Hall at the northern end of Campbell Park (Wellington Rd) and to get things up and running we’re inviting you to the first ‘tool drive’ event on Saturday 31 January from 9am to midday.
Bring any spare tools you have (ideas below) – come for the conversation, share a cuppa, enjoy the barbecue and homemade bread to celebrate the opening of this evolving community resource. Find out how you can become a member or volunteer.
The library can help you save money by not having to buy new tools. Donate and help recycle tools that have been sitting around gathering dust and are not needed anymore. The community library is the place for pre-loved tools to get a new lease of life!
One of the founding members of the group Rene Davies says this is a great opportunity for people to have a look through their garden shed, garage and cupboards to find tools still in good condition, but aren’t used anymore. They could be repurposed by donating them to the library for lending to the community.
“The tools could vary from a ladder, skillsaw, water blaster or weedeater to kitchen equipment, for example a dehydrator, large pot for preserving or maybe a sewing machine, or even a tent that you don’t need anymore.
“We see the library as a place where people share, learn and connect. Sharing resources and skills, connecting through companionship, and learning through helping problem-solve each other’s projects – no matter how big or small.”
“Some of our people have already offered to occasionally run workshops on particular skills as requested, for example, how to use certain tools, simple maintenance or repairs, or a house project like mounting some shelving.”
How do I join the library?
You can become part of the network and register for free until 1 June 2026 – or email [email protected] if you have questions, offers or requests. After 1 June the annual fee is $30 to borrow items from the library.
And then? How does it work?
We are open every Saturday morning, 9.00 – midday
How long before I have to return the item?
We will encourage a turnaround of 1 week, longer by agreement.
What if there is an issue with the tool?
You won’t be liable for breaking a tool. Most items will be free, but we will charge a modest fee for a few specific more expensive items, which should cover situations which require tools to be maintained, repaired or replaced. Hopefully most tools will be donated.
I have some tools to donate, what’s next?
Come on down on a Saturday, or contact us via e-mail or phone (see below)
How can I help? Get involved?
We’d love to hear from you to chat about your skill set and how you can help. You might want to help on the roster for Saturday mornings, help fix and maintain the tools or offer admin support. You can join the core group, or offer suggestions for the growing wish list of tools, please phone/text Paul on 021 1588949 or email [email protected]. And join our Facebook group
From time to time we will purchase some key items, as requested by the community, to add to the range of items in the collection.
The Paekākāriki Tool Library group would like to thank Kapiti Coast District Council for a founding start up grant from their Waste Minimisation Grant, as well as the Paekākāriki Community Board for a grant.
Many thanks to POG, the folks taking care of Miriona Gardens at the end of Tilley Road, PaeCycle (collecting food scraps) and CharPae (making BioChar).
The Tool Library is part of POG and could therefore receive those grants under that umbrella. If you wish to contribute a koha, we set up a separate suffix in the POG accounts: “Paekakariki Orchards and Gardens” 38-9014-0247291-02. And of course thanks to the Scouts Association for agreeing to house the library at the Scout Hall.
Crew member Doris says: “The Tool Library is another cycle – I love cycles! A bit like PaeCycle and our Pataka Kai. Another ‘give and take” type community asset, linking into the bigger picture of wishing to reduce material consumerism: Instead of us all buying ‘new stuff’ we share; we repurpose, repair, reuse, recycle…”
“We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday mornings from 9am to noon – opening day is 31 January.”
Your Tool Library Crew
Rene Davies, Paul Hancock, Daniel McMillan, Jude Walcott, Doris Zuur
