Repair as practice, not just skill

Jessica has attended eighteen workshops with the West Auckland Resource Centre through their Zero Waste Education Programme after discovering them through her local library Facebook page. She was initially motivated by a desire to build confidence in mending and garment repair, and to develop a more practical understanding of sewing - inspired in part by her grandmother, who was an experienced seamstress.

As a long-time collector of vintage clothing, Jessica was particularly drawn to learning how to repair and alter garments herself, with a focus on preserving and extending the life of existing pieces rather than relying on external services.

Her confidence has grown steadily through consistent participation. What began as learning simple techniques has developed into a broader shift in mindset around waste and reuse.

“It has opened my mind to things. I’m a lot more aware now, I don't just throw scraps or thread away.”

Jessica now approaches materials differently in everyday life, finding new uses for items that would previously have been discarded, and noticing reuse ideas she hadn’t considered before.

She has also begun sharing what she has learned. This includes passing on workshop ideas to her Mum, as well as discussing workshops with other parents at school who are now interested in attending future sessions. She also has the goal to develop her skills to alter and customise children’s clothing to better fit her own kids who don’t always fit standard sizing.

Jessica describes the workshops as highly effective, noting her own increased confidence and rethinking ways items could be reused rather than discarded. She also highlights the value of word-of-mouth learning, noting that while the reach of the programme is strong, it could always extend further through wider awareness.

Her journey reflects how accessible, community-based learning can shift everyday behaviour — building confidence, reducing waste, and extending skills into homes and wider social networks.