A broken bicycle, a toaster and a giant model crane were among the items given a second life at the University of Auckland’s Repair Cafe on 16 October.
From morning to noon, dozens of volunteers from across the University poured into Unleash Space to help repair beloved household items that might have otherwise ended up in landfill – putting their skills in sewing, electrical work, furniture and jewellery repairs, and bicycle maintenance to use.
Repair Cafe is now in its second year and continues to grow the University’s sustainability and community engagement efforts.
Co-organiser Dr Matthew Sidford says the 2026 event delivered more repairs and substantially greater environmental benefit than 2025, despite slightly fewer participants.
The largest absolute change was CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions prevented: 1822kg, up from 298kg in 2025.
“That’s like growing about 30 tree seedlings for 10 years,” says Sidford.
For the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Naomi Bradshaw, the event was an opportunity to fix a giant model crane with a broken motor that had cluttered her hallway for far too long.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of it going into landfill, I was waiting for an opportunity to have it fixed,” she says.
“Job done, thanks to the wonderful volunteers at Repair Cafe. And though my son has outgrown it, it will now get to be enjoyed by a colleague’s kids.”
Beyond extending the life of household items and reducing waste, Sidford says the event also encouraged the sharing of practical repair skills and brought people together through a culture of reuse and circular economy thinking.
“It was a great example of how small actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Repair Cafe was hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Design Sustainability Committee in association with Repair Network Aotearoa, with staff and student volunteers from across faculties and service divisions assisting on the day.