Te Wāhi Auaha Makerspace

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What is a makerspace?
Te Wāhi Auaha is a creative community space where ideas become reality. We provide access to tools and technology including 3D printers, a laser etcher, sewing machines, an overlocker, Cricut, Silhouette cutters, a heat press, and a vinyl cutters.

Open to beginners and experienced makers alike, our goal is to reduce barriers to technology and encourage learning through shared experiences. Explore, experiment, and create with support from our knowledgeable staff and engaging programmes.

Access

The purpose of our service is to support prototyping and projects for personal use and not for commercial sale as we are a non-commercial organisation.

Please note: as this is a self-directed learning environment, we ask that any children under 14 years of age have an adult guiding and working with them in the space. We create opportunities for access to our younger patrons during school holiday programming.

Walk-ins are welcome during open sessions to utilise the equipment and work on your project. Appointments for one-on-one guidance can be arranged with our makerspace coordinators—email us to discuss your project at tewahiauaha@dcc.govt.nz.

Equipment & Usage

  • 3D Printers: Bambu P1S and A1 Mini –suitable for a wide range of projects, including prototypes, small functional items, creative models, and learning-focused designs.
  • F1 Ultra Laser Etcher – this is a compact laser cutter and engraver for creating detailed designs on materials like wood, metals, and leather. Ideal for small projects but requires time to learn, set up, and practise with for safe, effective use.
  • Sewing Machine & Overlocker – great for textile projects and repairs.
  • Cricut & Silhouette – Digital cutting machines used to create precise designs from materials such as paper, vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on (heat transfer) vinyl.
  • Heat Press – for use with Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and Cricut or Silhouette.
  • Dremel and Soldering equipment available for experienced users.

We encourage safe, respectful use of all equipment and provide guidance to help you succeed. Material use may incur a small fee, but you’re welcome to bring your own materials if they meet machine requirements.

Guidelines

Please follow safety protocols and respect other users. We cannot support projects involving weapons, unsafe or illegal materials, or those infringing intellectual property rights. Our space is inclusive and dedicated to positive creativity.

Hours (from 1 December 2025)

Phase 1 Open Sessions:

  • Wednesday: 1pm–4:30pm
  • Thursday: 3pm–7pm
  • Saturday: 10am–12pm

Other:

  • Monday & Friday: reserved for bookings, planning, and maintenance
  • Tuesday: reserved for school bookings

Please note: This is our initial activation phase. Services and hours may change as we learn more about community needs.

Terms & Conditions

Dunedin Public Libraries reserves the right to decline any request that breaches guidelines or policies. Makerspace equipment may not be used to create:

  • Objects/images prohibited by law, including gang insignia
  • Objectionable, discriminatory, or inappropriate content
  • Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous items (including weapons)
  • Items infringing copyright, patent, or trademark rights
  • Commercial production (prototypes welcome)

The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.