Volunteers worked their magic at Wastebusters Repair Revolution at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre on Sunday (September 25) repairing a range of items.

A total of 62 broken treasures were repaired, including an e-bike, two vintage sewing machines, a range of clothing and a favourite toy digger. 

Wastebusters event organiser Chelsea Holdom says Repair Revolution events are the perfect opportunity to not only get items repaired, but to find out if, in fact, they can be fixed.

“Our aim is to empower people to repair, revive and upcycle their things to keep them out of landfill,” she said.

One of the event’s repairers, Fin Gilmour, fixed a beloved 1970s handbag by replacing its worn wooden handles with salvaged rope handles and some artistically-used cable ties.

Fellow repairer Gee Goddard got a couple of toy diggers and dump trucks back in action, which made their young owners very happy.

Overall, the volunteer repairers were able to fix 86 percent of items brought in, including seven electrical appliances, 40 items of clothing/textile, four toys, four bikes, five accessories and two tools.

While the majority of items were repaired, not everything was a quick and easy fix, including a dehydrator, which its owner had for 20 years. The owner was in luck, however, as volunteer repairer electrician Russell Stephens took it home to finish the repair.

Chelsea said the Wastebusters team feels very lucky to have so many skilled people living here who are happy to use their expertise to benefit others at Repair Revolution events.

"Without so many talented volunteers who are willing to give up their time to share their skills, these events would not be possible,” she said.

Wastebusters will host another free repair event at the Wānaka Community Workshop on Saturday November 19.

“So if you have something else you want repaired, or you missed out on our Hāwea event, lock in November 19, gather up your broken wares and we’ll see you in Wānaka,” Chelsea said.

“Volunteer fixers of all kinds will be needed for that event, so we’d love to hear from anyone willing to help.” 

Volunteer repairers can sign up and get more information here.

PHOTO: Wastebusters