Makerspaces: Aotearoa New Zealand: Tohunga

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tohunga (modified)

1. (stative) be expert, proficient, adept.

2. (noun) skilled person, chosen expert, priest - a person chosen by the agent of an atua and the tribe as a leader in a particular field because of signs indicating talent for a particular vocation. They functioned as priests, gave advice about economic activities, and were experts in sacred lore, spiritual beliefs, traditions and genealogies of the tribe.

The concept of the Tohunga is central to this pathfinder. Tohunga were 'experts' in their field, and also visionaries who guided their people to knowledge. The lack of texts or books on makerspaces is in stark contrast to plentiful and diverse maker activity. Using a tohunga approach emphasises a connection from the pre-literate past to the post-literate future, promotes an understanding of information as being experiential in nature, and encourages conversation and collaboration as a relevant route to knowledge.The tohunga for makerspaces in Aotearoa New Zealand are not so much individual people as institutions, organisations and websites. This list is in no particular order.

Makers Organisation of New Zealand: founded with the aim of developing a broad and thriving Maker community within New Zealand

Location: Wellington/Online
Website: http://www.makers.org.nz/
Contact: https://twitter.com/makerorgnz

Colab: the collaboratory for Design and Creative Technologies at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand

Location: Auckland
Website: http://colab.aut.ac.nz/
Contact: +64 (0) 9 921 9566/colab@aut.ac.nz

Auckland Libraries: providing makerspace access and activities to beginner makers in a public library context

Location: Auckland
Website: http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/Pages/makerspacecentralcity.aspx
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/CentralCityLibraryMakerspace

Wellington Makerspace: providing commercial design and prototyping services, inexpensive technology workshops and membership access

Location: Wellington
Website: http://wellingtonmakerspace.com/
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/

Tangleball: provide a place for creative people to collaborate on building their ideas and aim to nurture both technical and artistic ideas

Location: Auckland
Website: http://www.tangleball.org.nz/
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/tangleball

Diamondmind+Mindkits: combined to create the Kiwi made DiamondMind 3D printer

Location: Auckland
Website: http://diamondage.co.nz/ and http://www.mindkits.co.nz/
Contact: +64(0)9 2156091 and https://twitter.com/mindkits

The Meshed Co-op: is a collective of like-minded individuals and groups looking at ways of using Free, Libre, Open Source Software (FLOSS) Systems & Solutions to deliver value to Small and Medium Businesses (SMB’s) in New Zealand and abroad

Location: Online
Website: http://coop.org.nz/
Contact: info@meshed.co.nz

Vivenda: is a Product Design and 3D Printing Consultancy

Location: Auckland/Online
Website: http://vivenda.co.nz
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/vivenda3D

Pop-up Games Arcade: run a DIY games arcade, showing home-made games from around New Zealand

Location: Auckland/Online
Website: http://popuparcade.co.nz/
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/popuparcade

Upper Hutt Library: run Scratch programming and LEGO construction programmes for kids

Location: Upper Hutt, Wellington
Website: http://www.upperhuttcity.com/page/1142/WhatsOn.boss
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/UpperHuttCityLibrary

Gamefroot: is an open community, an adaptive efficient engine and a marketplace, all designed to democratise game making

Location: Online/Wellington
Website: http://gamefroot.com/
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/Gamefroot

The Mindlab: is a pioneer in digital and collaborative learning reflecting the new theoretical and practical frameworks of contemporary education.