A little history of TimeBank

Edgar S Cahn developed the TimeBanking concept in the USA in the 1990s in response to government spending cuts on social welfare and community programmes. Since then, the TimeBank idea has spread to over 30 countries around the world. TimeBanking acknowledges we all have something to contribute to our communities and that what we offer is valued. In New Zealand, Project Lyttelton set up this country's first TimeBank and now advises other communities on developing their own TimeBank.​​

How does TimeBanking work?

Every person has talents and gifts to share with their community that are of immense benefit to another. Rather than spending money, spend time! 
TimeBank's mission is to connect people who have gifts, skills and knowledge and a willingness to share them for the benefit of others; TimeBank is a "give and take" system managed through the use of computer technology and the Internet that will strengthen our community in a positive way.

TimeBanking creates circles of giving. TimeBanking is a way of trading skills in a community. It facilitates the sharing of skills between its members, both individuals and organisations. TimeBanking activity is measured by the time it takes to complete a piece of work. It's a kind of money, a complimentary currency. TimeBanking builds on the magic of pay it forward.
​Time Credits are used as payment, not money. You earn time credits for the work you do, and then use those credits to 'buy' another member's time to get the services you need. This could be any member of the TimeBank, not necessarily the member you helped. (The member you kindly assisted may not have the skills that you need, but another TimeBank member might).
Everyone's Time is Equal - no matter what type of work is undertaken, one hour always equals one time credit. 1 = 1. It really is that simple.​
Equally valued - we all have something to offer. Every person and every skill is equally valued. 

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The TimeBank Circle of Caring and Giving

For a little film explaining how Timebank works have a look at the video below:

TimeBank in New Zealand

TimeBanking in New Zealand - it all started in Lyttleton on the South Island! Watch the film below to learn about our TimeBank pioneers in Aotearoa.
www.lyttelton.net.nz/timebank

There are currently nearly 30 TimeBanks in towns and cities across New Zealand. Click on the link to the TimeBank Aotearoa Website to find out more.

Taranaki TimeBank

Taranaki TimeBank was started by a group of community oriented visionaries in 2012. From a small number of individuals we have since grown our membership to over 300 - and are continuing to expand! We now have coordinators working to enhance the TimeBank experience throughout Taranaki,  including New Plymouth, Inglewood and Hawera.

Have a look at the film below to find out more about our TimeBank Community in Taranaki!

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Our Coordinators

Laurie - Main Coordinator

​Hello Taranaki Timebank members.  
I am thrilled to begin a new journey as the Main Coordinator for TTB. It feels like a natural progression in my professional life; one of making meaningful connections.
Originally from a small surf town in California, 11 years ago we looked out across the Pacific and started dreaming. With two toddlers in tow we WWOOFed around the country, fell in love and stayed, making our home on the south island.
Ironically ‘that mountain’ always called to my husband, but we never made it to New Plymouth. When he finally visited the area in December 2017, it was love at first sight. Within a few weeks we left our jobs, our friends, our community, our land...and fearlessly began again.

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk through the door that TTB has opened for me, welcoming me into this community. In many ways it feels like ‘coming home’ – there is a grace and ease to being here.  
I look forward to cultivating new relationships, sowing seeds of trust and respect, nurturing new friendships and harvesting the bounty of a strong community spirit.  

Contact me anytime through the TTB website with your thoughts, inspirations, questions and queries or just to say hello.
The world is round…we shall meet at some point.

 Morgane - Marketing Coordinator 
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Hello fellow TimeBankers,

I'm Morgane, your new Marketing Coordinator. 
I'm originally from France and I've been living in different countries for more than 10 years now.
I've moved to New Plymouth in March 2017 with my husband Freddy. We love the relax and laidback lifestyle that Taranaki offers.
We also enjoy travelling around New Zealand, surfing in Fitzroy and hiking through the beautiful National Parks.

I joined Taranaki TimeBank in June 2017 and started to help Brittany and Anja on a regular basis with event organisation and web design.
Very fast I felt connected with TimeBank's concept and values. It's a model that litterally makes sense to me and I fully believe in it. 
I like to use TimeBank to improve my conversation skills in Dutch, to get some help with my garden and to discover new activities.
Thanks to TimeBank, I meet amazing people, make new friends and feel more active within Taranaki community!

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work for such an awesome organisation and to be able to use my communication and marketing skills for our TimeBank family.