About
The Share Shop is a library of things. Instead of buying something you'll use once or twice, you borrow it, use it, and bring it back.
What we are
Over 250 things across six types.
Ladders and tents, cake tins and board games, an air fryer, a gazebo, a pressure washer, a sewing machine, scaffolding.
We're in a shed at Pachamama House in Hamilton, open Saturday mornings all year, and Thursday evenings during daylight saving.
Who it's for
Anyone over 18 who'd rather borrow than buy.
Some of our members are saving money, some are saving space, and some care about waste. Others want to try something before committing, or just need a thing for the weekend.
What it costs
$15 for 3 months, or $52 for the year.
Paid upfront when you join.
Why we do it
We help people own less and live more.
This is not a new idea. Sharing what you have, rather than owning it, has been a central philosophy on this Country for tens of thousands of years. That knowledge was disrupted, not lost.
What's unusual is doing it now, in an economy built on owning things privately.
Newcastle has form here too. The Ocean Baths were funded by the state government in 1911 on the condition that everyone could use them.
We take our cues from what works.
Who runs it
Volunteer-run, member-funded, not-for-profit.
The Share Shop opened in Hamilton North in July 2018. Memberships and late fees keep it going, and a team of volunteers keeps it open.
We're always after more hands.