Georgia (Gee) Goddard is living the dream: The aspiring woodworker has been building on her passion for the craft in recent months, alongside Maungawera woodworker Fin Gilmour.

Gee knew woodwork was something she wanted to do from a young age.

“Ever since I was a child, fixing and building things was something that lit me up,” she said.

“Woodworking was my favourite class at high school and I knew it was a path I might one day want to follow.”

Not one to take the traditional route, Gee Googled ‘woodworking Albert Town’ instead of pursuing a commercial apprenticeship, which led her to Fin.

They initially chatted over a cuppa and discovered they shared the same ethos, particularly around turning trash into treasure.

In April 2021 Fin agreed to mentor Gee, and she has been learning the craft from him ever since.

She has been learning various aspects, including structural building, starting a project from scratch and restoration. 

“I’ve learned so much about all the different tools to use, different types of woods to work with and terminology related to the craft.”

However, Gee has gained more than just lessons in woodwork.

“Under Fin’s guidance, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and how to brew the perfect cuppa.”

Gee says trusting her instincts has been great for her personal development and discussing their craft over a good brew has been a key ingredient to her success.

There is a lot Gee loves about woodwork.

“It is such a grounding thing to do. It is slow, thoughtful and creative.”

Gee is just as passionate about saving items as she is creating them from scratch, preferably out of rescued materials.

“I love bringing things back to life.”

Throwing items away is a waste of time, energy and resources, she says.

That is why she will be joining Fin and many other volunteers at the upcoming Repair Revolution at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre on Sunday September 25.

Gee, whose forte on the day will be furniture and toys, was one of the first to sign up to the event and she cannot wait to connect with the community and its many repairers.

“I’m so excited to help people bring their broken things back to life and to pass on some of the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through Fin.”

Ultimately, she wants to be part of the repair “butterfly effect”, with people telling their friends and family to help keep the revolution going.

Gee encourages other repairers to also sign up: “Why not give it a go?” she says.

“Not only will it be fun, but it will be inspiring and a great way to make new connections and get involved in the community.”

As she puts it - there is nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

“I’m super motivated to support repair events to see less things end up in the dump and see treasures being given a new life.”

To find out more or to register as a volunteer visit the Wastebusters website and click on the ‘repair’ tab.

PHOTO: Wastebusters