Speakers
Dr Paul Smith wants to see no more ‘durable’ products being sent to landfill. He advocates for a right to repair and works with businesses to develop practical solutions that make repair more accessible and economically viable. Most recently, Paul transformed Consumer NZ’s independent product testing to include repair and durability measures and championed repairability labelling. He has also worked in automotive design and educated design engineers at Massey University.
Paul represents the Right to Repair Coalition Aotearoa at this webinar.
TITLE: Are we any closer to repair legislation in Aotearoa?
Presentation Blurb: Over the last year, two petitions and a Member’s Bill calling for change have reached the Beehive. Does that mean we can expect to follow the EU, UK, US and Australia in enacting repair legislation? And will that mean stuff will become more repairable? Dr Paul Smith of the Right to Repair Coalition Aotearoa will summarise where we’re at (spoiler… we’re not as far along as we need to be).
Jessica Saul is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages connection, collaboration, creativity, and joy. She strives to empower the UC and wider communities to become lifelong learners, building resilience to tackle challenges both big and small, from mending clothes to designing rocketships.
Jessica is Kairuruku Wāhi Auaha | Engagement and Learning Librarian | UC Puna | University of Canterbury Libraries.
TITLE: Repair and resilience: A UC library initiative
Presentation Blurb: UC libraries play a critical role within their communities, supporting and encouraging the acquisition of practical skills, problem-solving, and creativity. We foster a space for sharing skills, restoring belongings, and repurposing broken items. How do we support these acts of community, learning and teaching? Through the Te Rua Makerspace and Repair Cafes.
Meghan Cooper is a Waste Minimisation Officer at Rotorua Lakes Council. Earlier roles have included work in public health and education settings, disability support and injury rehabilitation. Across this experience Meghan has been tackling behaviour change for more than a decade. In addition, she is a mother to boys – working hard to shape some great men for the future.
TITLE: The role of Council in shared opportunities for Repair Cafés
Presentation Blurb: In her role as Waste Minimisation Officer at Rotorua Lakes Council, Meghan has been involved in the kick-start of a Repair Café in Rotorua and in supporting the handover of this into community ownership. This segment will look into some of the great opportunities and learning this approach has provided.
Panel Facilitator
