What are the odds of two locals arriving at a Repair Cafe with ‘broken’ toasters, which were fixed by a tap and shake? That’s exactly what happened at the first Repair Cafe for 2026 at the Māngere Bridge Library. Local Gill had caught the bus to the Library and volunteer electrician Tim reckoned the trip on the bus dislodged a crumb which was preventing the lever on her toaster from staying down. Tim’s next customer was René, whose toaster had the same problem, which Tim fixed with a tap and a shake! Always lessons to be learned at a Repair Cafe!
Outside, bike mechanic Luke from Duke Cycles was busy showing e-bike owner Harriet how to remove the back wheel of her bike to fix a punctured tyre. It’s a tricky business on an e-bike and Harriet was joined by several other cyclists who were interested to learn. Passing on tips and knowledge is a key part of the Repair Cafe ethos.
Yvonne put her expert sewing and darning skills to good use, mending two caterpillar toys and a large doll for Children’s Librarian Sarah. Olive Dolly Baden-Powell was the mascot of a Brownie Pack 30 years ago, and now is a prop for Sarah when she runs Wriggle and Rhyme sessions for preschoolers. “They are as good as new”, said Sarah.
As usual, Friends of the Farm Māngere Bridge had a full complement of volunteers to repair a range of household items, with electricians, IT wizards, expert sewers, handymen, bike mechanic, book mender, and darners.
It was quieter than usual, which meant the repairers had time to show people how to repair items themselves, when appropriate. They also had time to enjoy the lunch supplied by Friends of the Farm, and the hot drinks and smoothies supplied by Phnom Penh Cafe.
Over the three hours 50 household items were repaired and kept out of landfill at the Repair Cafe. Friends of the Farm loves to be part of the Repair Café movement with its focus on repairing, recycling, reducing waste and bringing people together and connecting communities.
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