TimeBanking gains momentum | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

After taking off in Whakatane, the TimeBanking phenomenon is gaining momentum in the Western Bay, offering locals the chance to trade skills, time and resources among each other.

All members - including individuals, schools and businesses - have an online account where they can access their balance of time credits.

One hour of work is equivalent to one time credit.

A member could earn five credits for five hours of gardening and spend them on two hours of a guitar lesson, one hour of baby-sitting, one hour of massage and the final hour to hire somebody's trailer.

Otago University PhD student Emma McGuirk - who is completing her PhD in social anthropology looking at the emergence of TimeBanks around New Zealand - was in Tauranga last week to meet TimeBanking co-ordinators from Tauranga, Waihi and Whakatane.

Miss McGuirk said TimeBanking helped members explore and value their own skills while meeting new people in their community.

"It actually encourages them to validate what they do and actually acknowledge who they are."

Timebankers are encouraged to earn credits doing things they enjoy and spend them on things they or their family need.

The Tauranga TimeBank has about 80 members and was established in June by voluntary co-ordinator Kerri Tilby-Price.

Mrs Tilby-Price said she was looking for someone to help grow the TimeBank.

"There's a really good base, but it needs someone with the time and the energy to drive it."

EastBay TimeBank in Whakatane, led by paid co-ordinator Toni Boynton, has about 200 members. Mrs Boynton's salary is paid through funding from local charity Pou Whakaaro, which supports people with disabilities to be valued and contributing members of their communities.

The EastBay TimeBank will host the second annual national TimeBanking hui in November.

TimeBanks were first set up in the United States in the 1980s and also operate in the United Kingdom. New Zealand's first TimeBank in Lyttelton now has more than 400 members.

To join Tauranga TimeBank visit www.tauranga.timebanks.org or Tauranga Time Bank on Facebook.