We're excited to launch our new Karawhiua Collection this April! The collection brings together a wide range of practical and creative tools designed to help people learn, create, fix, explore, and thrive.

Among the items available are:

Karawhiua means ‘go for it, give it heaps, have a go’. It’s about giving people the confidence and opportunity to try something new, whether that’s coding a robot, sewing a garment, checking their home’s energy efficiency, or exploring the night sky.

The Karawhiua Collection is grounded in sustainability and equity. With the rising cost of living, we know that it’s not always realistic for households to purchase specialist tools or equipment they may only need occasionally. By sharing resources, we’re giving everyone an equal chance to learn, create, fix, and explore – without the financial pressure.

‘Library of Things’ collections are becoming increasingly common across the motu and internationally. We’re proud to join other libraries in offering practical, creative, and educational tools that support wellbeing and everyday life.

Karawhiua Collection Demo Drop-ins

Drop-in to take a look at items from our Karawhiua Collection. No bookings needed.

  • Wānaka Library | Tuesday 14 April, 10-11.30am
  • Frankton Library | Wednesday 15 April, 11.30am-1pm
  • Queenstown Library | Tuesday 21 April, 4-5pm
  • Hāwea Library | Wednesday 22 April, 3-4.30pm
  • Queenstown Events Centre | Wednesday 22 April, 4-5pm
  • Wānaka Rec Centre | Thursday 30 April, 3-4.30pm

How to borrow

Visit your local library to see what you can borrow today. We have displays of DVD cases in every branch that show each item and are colour-coded by item theme (Create and Fix, Explore, Learn, Play and Relax, Thrive). Or you can see what's available on our online catalogue.

You must collect Karawhiua items from their home library and return them to that library, not to another library or a drop-box.

If you see an item you like that is currently being borrowed by someone else, you can place a hold on it, but you must collect it from the home library.

Please note our borrowing conditions and library terms and conditions, and check with a librarian if you have any questions.

Borrowing Conditions for the Karawhiua Collection

Borrowers must be permanent adult members of Queenstown Lakes District Council Libraries.

Loan limit: Maximum of 2 Karawhiua Collection items to be borrowed at a time.
Loan period: 3 weeks.
Renewals: No renewals.
Holds: Available on all items in this collection.
Returns: All Karawhiua Collections items must be returned to a staff member at the issue desk of the owning library during opening hours.

If an item becomes seven days overdue, the library system will automatically charge the replacement cost to your account and block your membership. If you return the item promptly, the charge will be removed and your account unblocked.

Terms and Conditions

Queenstown Lakes District Council Libraries’ membership terms and conditions apply when you borrow an item from the Karawhiua Collection. These items are available from the issue desk. When you borrow these items, you are responsible for:

  • Returning the item by the due date, clean and in the same condition as when you borrowed it; and
  • Any loss, theft or damage that occurs to the item while it is on loan to you. Library staff can provide you with the replacement cost of the item; and
  • Reading and following any instructions included with the item; and
  • Using items in a safe and proper manner, and only for the purposes for which it is intended and/or as set out in the instructions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Queenstown Lakes District Council Libraries assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries, damage to self, others, or property as a result of any use or reliance on the item you have borrowed. Nothing in this disclaimer is intended to limit your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

If you discover a fault with the item or if it is damaged, please stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Queenstown Lakes District Council library.