Spending Time, Making Time
TimeBank Hurunui is a network of people who are share their time and skills without the need for money.
Our activities extend from Amberley into communities throughout the Hurunui district.
What is TimeBank Hurunui?
TimeBanking is a way of trading skills in a community. It uses time, rather than money, as the measurement tool. TimeBank Hurunui recognises that everyone has skills to share, and that everyone's time is equal – hence one hour's work = one hour's credit. Members of TimeBank Hurunui share their skills with other members within the community and receive time credits for the work they do. With the credits they gain, each member can 'buy' someone else's time, and get the service they need.
TimeBank Hurunui values skills that are often taken for granted - especially non-market economy skills - like parenting, basic home help and caring, friendliness, listening.
TimeBank Hurunui Learning Exchange
There are many people in our district with valuable skills and knowledge to share. The TBH Learning Exchange facilitates a programme of events focused on workshops, classes, talks and field days that take place throughout the district, drawing on the skills and talents of our members. They are rewarded with time credits from the TimeBank's Community Chest. These events are open to all, and connecting people with common interests.
Why Join TimeBank Hurunui?
TimeBanking encourages stronger communities as every trade creates a new relationship between two or more people. A community becomes more inclusive - valuing everyone and their unique contribution. TimeBanking adds ‘wealth' to a community in the form of friendship, caring for one another, and having our needs met from within our own community. It's a great way to get help with things we can't do, learn new skills, and join in events.
AND IT'S FUN!
How to Join TimeBank Hurunui:
1. Go to the User Login box and click on JOIN. Fill in the required fields. NB. When filling in your location, please change the country to New Zealand first, otherwise it won't recognise your province (Canterbury).
2. A notification email will be sent to your inbox. Click on the link in the email to confirm your email address. (If members from one household share the same email address, it is possible to have separate accounts. Please contact the coordinator for assistance).
3. Attend an orientation session to learn about the TimeBank Hurunui website and how to trade. You will be contact by a coordinator to arrange an orientation at a time and place that suits you. Orientations are one hour long and earn you an hour's credit!
4. All applications are checked by the Department of Justice's Criminal-Records unit. We require a paper copy of your membership application which can be filled out at an orientation session. You may also download it here and fill it out in your own time.
5. Once your application has been approved (usually during your orientation session), you can edit your member profile any time, list your requests and offers, update your TimeBankers Talents, and check out the Event listings. You will also receive regular broadcasts of time-bank news, events and members' offers/requests to your email address.
Making the Most of Your TimeBank:
1. Login regularly and read the service ads posted by other members. Find an offer you like and email or phone the person who has listed the service. Set a day and time for the exchange to happen and discuss expectations or any costs involved in the trade, eg cost of petrol, ingredients or materials.
2. Decide who will record the exchange on the website, and record the hours traded and the people involved.
Don't hesitate to start trading as every trade creates new relationships in your community, even if your account is in debit. There will always be plenty of opportunities to build up hours.
Regular trading keeps our community and TimeBank Hurunui vibrant and flourishing.
We have what we need if we use what we have.
—Dr. Edgar Cahn, Time Banks Founder
