Our Story Begins
Taupō Timebank was founded in 2021 by Blair and Rachel Cameron during a time when many were feeling isolated and disconnected through the Covid lockdowns. Inspired by Timebanks around the world, they wanted to create a way for people to support each other through skill-sharing, local trade, and community-powered projects.
What began in backyards and garages soon grew into a grassroots movement, bringing together people from all walks of life who wanted to build something positive during difficult times.
Finding a Home in Spa Park
In late 2022, Blair and Rachel found an unused section of Taupō District Council land hidden in a remote corner of Spa Park — an area they had both enjoyed as children. It was overgrown with blackberry and had been forgotten for years.
With the Council’s blessing, the clearing began. Volunteers, local contractors, and support from Mitre 10 helped transform the area. The original vision was to create a vibrant community garden that would act as a central meeting point and a place to share produce through their small shop, Lake Local.
Becoming a Charity
To officially occupy and develop the land, Taupō Timebank registered the TTB Community Trust as a charity. New trustees joined to support the growing project, and the gardens expanded rapidly.
Features were added to make the space welcoming and family-friendly, including:
• A stage for events
• Children’s play area
• Chicken and duck enclosures
• Fire pit
• Flying fox
• Many other creative touches
Blair worked full-time — voluntarily for two years — to build the space alongside skilled friends and a steady stream of community volunteers.
Growing Into Education
By 2023, the organisation needed to generate its own income streams. Blair’s mother, Lyn Cameron, a major contributor and former primary school teacher, suggested offering hands-on learning programmes for tamariki.
This led to the creation of Young Pioneers, teaching children practical self-sufficiency skills such as gardening, building, and bushcraft. Shortly after came Upskillz, designed for college-aged youth.
Both programmes quickly grew in popularity with schools across Taupō wanting to take part.
Markets and Community Events
Also in 2023, Taupō Timebank launched its first summer markets. These events brought local trade and community energy into the gardens and were met with huge enthusiasm.
A standout moment was Tamathon, which raised $4,000 to support a young man named Tama in his journey to learn to walk again — a goal that was proudly achieved.
Closing the Loop: Our Community Kitchen
In late 2024, Penny Homes offered to build a complete kitchen on site. This addition allowed the programmes to close the loop from garden to plate, teaching children how to prepare kai using produce grown in the gardens.
The kitchen has become a central part of hands-on food education and a hub for community gatherings.
Looking Ahead
Taupō Timebank is now planning for 2026 and beyond, with the gardens ideally suited for:
• Concerts
• Markets
• Workshops
• Fundraisers
• Community gatherings
Our vision remains rooted in connection, resilience, and people-powered action.
Our People
To avoid conflicts of interest as the organisation grows, Blair Cameron stepped down from the Board and now serves as Timebank Director.
The TTB Community Trust is governed by:
• Rachel Cameron
• James Rauch (Chair)
• Dakota Durham
Our Ethos
Taupō Timebank exists to bring people together. Everything we create — gardens, programmes, markets, events, and educational spaces — is built on the belief that strong communities are made through generosity, connection, and shared purpose.
We strive to:
• Reduce isolation
• Share skills and knowledge
• Encourage self-sufficiency
• Celebrate local trade
• Build community resilience
• Ensure everyone feels welcome and valued
Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected Taupō — one hour, one skill, and one neighbour at a time.
Taupo Timebank is a community garden and a local initiative that focuses on building community connections and encouraging individuals to share their skills, knowledge and time with one another. Our mission is to create a platform where community members can come together to learn from one another and build stronger relationships while cultivating a beautiful green space. We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community, and we believe that community gardens are a great way to achieve this goal.
Our constitution
-
The NAME of our organisation shall be ‘Taupo Timebank’.
-
Taupo Timebank is a ‘not for profit’ voluntary community organisation.
-
The area of benefit is Taupo and local surrounding areas.
-
Our AIM is to involve local communities in an informal and inclusive network of people and organisations, who are willing to share their skills, services and products to help others.
-
The OBJECTIVE is to help people who participate in the Taupo Timebank to gain confidence and skills as well as to encourage a more community minded, self sufficient and sustainable way of living.
-
To undertake activities that strengthen the informal neighbourhood support systems within Taupo and promote community cohesion.
-
To improve personal wellbeing, whether that being by alleviating poverty, or providing recreational, social, learning and volunteering opportunities.
-
POWERS:
The Timebank will have the following powers to facilitate the fulfilment of above objectives:
-
Provide an efficient structure through which local people of all backgrounds and
abilities can be involved in the exchange of time and skills.
-
Ensure that people who are socially excluded are valued as productive individuals with a unique contribution to make within the community.
-
The income and property of Taupo Timebank will be used for the promotion of the objectives of the Taupo Timebank in the constitution.
-
To open and operate a bank account.
-
To involve people other than steering group members.
-
To liaise and cooperate with other organisations and bodies who may benefit Taupo Timebank.
-