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understorey [tuatoru]
Type of project: Community, events, co-working, and collaboration space
Collaborator: The Welder, Natural Paint Co., Life in Vacant Spaces, Innate Furniture
Sponsors/Funders: Supporters: Christchurch City Council, The Welder, Rātā Foundation, Sharp New Zealand, Flourish Foliage, Rule Foundation, One Stop Deck Shop, RDU FM
Location: The Welder, 20-26 Welles St, Central Christchurch
Completed: 03 May 2022
Status: Closed
Nau mai, tauti mai. Welcome.
understorey [tuatoru] is a community, events, co-working, and collaboration space that pops up in vacant spaces in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. This third iteration is in The Welder, 20-26 Welles St, May – June 2022.
Our kaupapa seeks to learn from nature.
In a thriving forest ecosystem, the understorey is an interconnected network of plants and organisms that grow in the space between the ground and the canopy. Resources are shared here; plants communicate, test survival strategies, and nurture rich biodiversity. The understorey supports new generations of saplings, and makes important contributions to the stability of the ecosystem. Imagining our city as a forest – this space seeks to support the Ōtautahi understorey.
Fees at understorey are based on a sliding scale so a wide range of people may access this space. You are invited to choose the rate that suits your needs and budget. You may change your rate if your circumstances change.
This is an invitation to participate in a community where we support each other. We encourage you to pay what you can.
We invite creatives, change organisations, community groups, innovators, small businesses, funders, and entrepreneurs alike. We are particularly interested in sharing space with those interested in sustainability, wellbeing, and place. We host events, conversations, and opportunities to join community groups. The space is also available to hire after hours.
We are open 9:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday, with options for individual after hours access, and events as advertised. We invite you to connect with us if you’d like to host an event or book space for a work hui. Keep an eye on The Green Lab’s social media as we share ongoing programming details.
understorey [tuatoru] is the third phase of a pilot project; The Green Lab’s dream is to find a permanent home supported by a sustainable business model. This phase is supported by The Welder, Rātā Foundation, and Christchurch City Council.
“understorey is a space to work or be away from home. It offers a change of scene for an hour or a few, without going beyond the CBD. We see a need for smaller spaces that create wellbeing and fulfil a human need to connect. This is a place to brainstorm with colleagues, meet friends, get some work done, or just to relax.”
understorey is my CBD base. I work here, have meetings with clients here and catch up with friends here. It's a great spot where you can work or just hang out.
I like the kaupapa of understorey. I'm still establishing myself as a contractor, so it's a good opportunity for me to try out co-working. I love the greenery and vibe here. It's affordable, and there are flexible work hour options available, which suits my workstyle. Also, I know my payments to use the space go back into the community. It doesn't feel like I'm just paying for a seat at a co-working space.
understorey provides me with a relaxed but focused work environment and a beautiful space to have meetings in. The plants help me declutter and center my thoughts.
Why understorey?
It's welcoming, affordable and I love the kaupapa. Never before have I felt comfortable in a co-working space! I also like recognising friendly faces, the range of mahi being done and being right in the middle of town.
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