Paekākāriki Tool Library
The Paekākāriki Tool Library operates from the Scout Hall at the northern end of Campbell Park (access from Wellington Rd) and is open every Saturday morning from 10am to noon in winter.
Campbell Park,
Wellington Rd
Welcome to the Paekākāriki Tool Library.
Launched earlier in 2026 by a group of enthusiastic locals keen on repurposing and recycling pre-loved tools that have been sitting in garages and sheds around the village.
A huge response to the call, we now have over 100 (and growing) gifted and donated tools.
Sign up to this great resource so you can borrow a tool for that special project (all instructions on the FAQ tab) – the tool library can help!
Head down on Saturday morning (10am to noon over winter) – come and have a cuppa and some home baking, we’re always happy to chat – share some skills and see what is available at the tool library based out of the Scout Hall.
You will find lots of information on our FAQ page, and our background story on the Stories Tab – have a look around.
How do I join the library?
As of 1 June 2026, we invite all members of the Tool Library to pay a koha, once a year. Rather than setting a fixed fee, we suggest an amount from zero to $50 per year – whatever people wish and can afford to pay. Sign up here.
How does it work?
We are open every Saturday morning, 10.00 – midday – Winter hours.
How long before I have to return the item?
We will encourage a turn around 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; that should cover those situations, to maintain, repair or replace. Hopefully, most tools will be donated.
I have some tools to donate, what’s next?
Come on down on a Saturday morning, 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 1588 949 or email [email protected]. And join our Facebook group
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!
Please call in or contact us by email [email protected] or phone/text Paul on 021 1588 949.
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.
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 to 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 consumerism: Instead of us all buying ‘new stuff’ we share; we repurpose, repair, reuse, recycle…..
This is an update from our first story which you can read here.
In January 2026, a hunch started to gather steam and within a short time a group of a few local enthusiasts launched the Paekākāriki Tool Library.
We were imagining a place where people shared their tools as well as their skills – where instead of throwing out old or unused tools, they could be stored, maintained and reused; rather than buying new tools anyone could borrow what they need for a specific project. There was no guarantee this idea would fly but it has! In our own Paekākāriki style.
We signed an agreement with the NZ Scouts Association, and shortly after our new Tool Library opened with much interest, support and wonderful excitement from our community.
Lots has happened since the hall opened. It has felt like Christmas every week, receiving so many tools, generous donations and some grants!
Now the Tool Library has landed, the ripple effects are beginning to spread. Beyond just getting the use of the right tool for the job, locals are meeting locals over coffee and cake, learning new skills and gaining the confidence to take on projects they might never have otherwise considered.
Learning to safely and effectively use a range of tools is a bonus for many and the economies of borrowing rather than buying is a satisfying push back against the culture of consumerism and designed obsolescence.
There is also more space in certain local garages and sheds and some tools feeling the TLC they have missed for some time! The Tool Library is becoming another way and another expression of sharing and caring, so typical for our community. It’s what makes a village tick.
What have we been up to since opening in January?
Over 170 items have been donated by the community and we’ve set up an online catalogue that anyone can access here.
So far, over 100 Paekākāriki residents have registered. It’s so easy to join – see below*
The Library is open each Saturday morning (10am to noon in winter) at the Scout Hall, upper Campbell Park. Sometimes there is a special focus such as tool sharpening. To support this we’ve bought a very cool diamond sharpener for small tools like secateurs and a slow bench grinder for larger tools like spades. Members can either get their tools sharpened by our team or learn to do it themselves, using the Tool Library sharpening gear. (Hannah Zwartz trying out the diamond sharpener)
The Tool Library has received almost $1000 in cash donations from our community – nga mihi nui.
We’ve received several one-off grants to get us started. Thanks to the Paekākāriki Community Board for a grant towards general set up costs. Also nga mihi to the ‘Green Neighbourhood Scheme’ and the MfE Waste Minimisation Grant (via KCDC. Most grant funds were spent on purchasing tools, with the balance going to overheads. Thank you to all involved in securing these funds.
Last, but by no means least, the Pelorus Trust, to which we applied for on behalf of the Scout Association, provided funding to give the hall its clean new look. It’s been freshly painted by local painter Rick from ‘Red Star Painters’ and now looks well loved on the outside. The inside is next….
Can anyone else use the Scout Hall now?
Yes. The hall is for hire.
The Scout Hall complements our other bigger village halls (St Peter’s Village Hall and Memorial Hall) – it’s like a little sibling, with its own charm. It’s a rustic low budget alcohol-free venue for small events/meetings/workshops. Because it’s nestled in amongst houses, events need to finish by 9:00pm.
More info about booking the Scout Hall here.
Winter hours at the Tool Library
Everyone deserves a later start in winter so we’ll open up an hour later for the next while.
From June, Saturday hours will be: 10.00am -12.00pm
*Ensuring the future of the Tool Library – how do we stand on our own feet? How to Register
At the launch, we invited people to register for free for the first few months. This worked really well to bring people on board as we were finding our feet. As of 1 June, we invite all members of the Tool Library to pay a koha, once a year. Rather than setting a fixed fee, we suggest an amount from zero to $50 per year – whatever people wish and can afford to pay. All koha received by the Tool Library will go towards paying for our rent of the hall (we hire it from the Scout Association), running the website, buying and maintaining tools, etc. So far we have operated using some amazing one-off set-up grants. but the Tool Library needs to operate sustainably into the future.
Payment of your koha can be made to ‘Paekākāriki Orchards and Gardens’ 38-9014-0247291-02. Please include your name and Tool Library in the reference when making your deposit.
What about the extra costs of the Tool Library Trailer?
Because our awesome new trailer will need servicing, WoF, registration, tyres, repairs etc, there’s a small separate charge to use it. To book the trailer, register on our website and search for ‘Trailer’ and it will lead you to the details for booking.
What’s hot in the Tool Library?
So far, the most used tools are our trailer,the upholstery cleaner, and the weed eater. Who knew!!
The upholstery cleaner was donated by Meagan one Saturday morning. Before it could even be entered into the catalogue, it was whisked away by Alex – just what she needed!
When friends with a lifestyle block in Manakau offered free firewood to Terry and Laura they jumped at the chance. Hiring the trailer for only $15 for a morning made a lot of sense. A quick trip to load up and they are set for winter.
The new bench grinder has arrived! Will sharpen our larger tools – exciting!!
Paul Hancock (below) carefully sharpening.. looking good
Having a party? Can we help? Can you help?
We are working towards a ‘party box’ which should really help for those special occasions where a crowd is coming to celebrate with you. So far we have a marquee, various tables, a big pot, a disco-light, and fairy lights and bunting. Let us know if you have something to add to the Party Box.
Because you asked for it!
When we asked via the Tool Library Facebook page what people needed/wanted in the Tool Library we had a huge response. Thanks so much for your suggestions. Here’s where we’ve got to with your wish list – thank you all for your donations:
Trailer – Donated by James The Roofer, our very own Paekakariki roofing specialist
Line trimmer line – donated
Step ladders big and small – donated
Tiny screw driver set – donated
Electric weed eater – we have a petrol one
Hedge Trimmer – we may have one (being tested by Ian)Dehydrator – donated
Sewing machine/overlocker – we received a beautiful Brother machine – thanks!
Scaffolding – Working on this one – we have a simple A-frame one but are a bit worried about Health and Safety risks…
Chainsaw – Yes but again, tricky one with Health and Safety risks. Only for folks who are experienced
Long handle pruning saw – We have a pole saw donated
Water blaster – we bought a Karcher 2 Power Control Deck Water Blaster
Belt sander – w e bought a Bosch belt sander
Bench grinder – we bought one of these too!
Small plate compactor – we have a non-fossil fuel hand compactor
Metal detector – shall we get one? Effective ones are very expensive…..
Food processor – shall we get one?
Gas cookers – is this for community resilience? Or party?
Vacuum cleaner – does one need one – maybe occasionally?
Mulcher/wood chippe – again, there are concerns re Health and Safety, ask our professional arborists in the village for the job
Floor sander – too specialised?
Carpet steam cleaner – we researched this one – ‘Consumer’ magazine suggests hiring a carpet cleaner rather than buying one. The models available to buy at an affordable price are not effective and often make the carpet too wet. There you go folks!
An unexpected donation hits the spot
When a local offered their old bath to the Tool Library one Saturday morning, the crew looked at each other…., and concluded that we all have had a shower or a bath this week and politely declined the offer. Also a bit tricky to fit into our cupboards!! But THEN, William, Loo’s brother visiting from Wairarapa, overheard the conversation and jumped at the opportunity to take it home. That old bath is now a happy worm farm. It doesn’t hurt to reach out. And so the ripples go on, through the community and beyond.
Thanks everyone and thanks to Lisa Richardson, our local designer, who has created a stunning poster capturing the essence of our village and how the Tool Library operates – the beauty of sustainable cycles and systems that create connections across our village.
Daniel, Doris, Paul, Rene, Terry, Jude
Paekakariki Tool Library Crew members LtoR: Rene Davies, Doris Zuur, Paul Hancock and Daniel McMillan
Because you asked for it!
When we asked via the Tool Library Facebook page what people needed/wanted in the Tool Library we had a huge response. Thanks so much for your suggestions. Here’s where we’ve got to with your wish list – thank you all for your donations:
Trailer – Donated by James The Roofer, our very own Paekakariki roofing specialist
Line trimmer line – donated
Step ladders big and small – donated
Tiny screw driver set – donated
Electric weed eater – we have a petrol one
Hedge Trimmer – we may have one (being tested by Ian)Dehydrator – donated
Sewing machine/overlocker – we received a beautiful Brother machine – thanks!
Scaffolding – Working on this one – we have a simple A-frame one but are a bit worried about Health and Safety risks…
Chainsaw – Yes but again, tricky one with Health and Safety risks. Only for folks who are experienced
Long handle pruning saw – We have a pole saw donated
Water blaster – we bought a Karcher 2 Power Control Deck Water Blaster
Belt sander – w e bought a Bosch belt sander
Bench grinder – we bought one of these too!
Small plate compactor – we have a non-fossil fuel hand compactor
Metal detector – shall we get one? Effective ones are very expensive…..
Food processor – shall we get one?
Gas cookers – is this for community resilience? Or party?
Vacuum cleaner – does one need one – maybe occasionally?
Mulcher/wood chippe – again, there are concerns re Health and Safety, ask our professional arborists in the village for the job
Floor sander – too specialised?
Carpet steam cleaner – we researched this one – ‘Consumer’ magazine suggests hiring a carpet cleaner rather than buying one. The models available to buy at an affordable price are not effective and often make the carpet too wet. There you go folks!
