TechMate

05/11/2025

It's International Volunteer Managers Day! Today we recognise and celebrate Joseph, who is the Service Delivery Coordinator for TechMate.

"I started my journey with TechMate as a volunteer myself, so I know firsthand what it’s like to be on that side — learning, helping out, and finding your place in the team. That experience really shaped how I see my role now. I’m deeply committed to making sure our volunteers not only have a good time, but also feel genuinely supported, valued, and part of something meaningful. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding parts of what I do — watching people grow in confidence, pick up new skills, and discover their own strengths and passions along the way. Every bit of knowledge, energy, kindness, and hard work they bring keeps TechMate running strong. I’m so proud of them, and of the mahi they do."

03/11/2025

We have Skinny Jumps in stock! 🙌

Struggling to afford the cost of a standard internet connection? Welcome to Skinny Jump!
An amazing initiative started by Skinny to ensure that cost is not a barrier to being able to access everyday digital necessities.

Visit the Skinny website to find out more, to find other Jump partners, and to check if your address is eligible:

https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/home

Ready to register?
Contact us on 0800 766 763, or [email protected]

30/10/2025

Kia ora, everyone!
Here are the weekly drop-in sessions for the week to come! You can find our lovely volunteers at these locations ready help with tech coaching, advice, and support.
Can’t get to any of these drop-ins? Book in with our city location! You can also get help or support at our office, 213 Lichfield Street. Please contact us on 0800 766 763, or email us at [email protected]

22/10/2025

📣 Kia ora, everyone!

🛑 With the RED wind warnings we have for tomorrow, we have made the decision to close our office. Drop-in sessions for tomorrow will also be cancelled, including both New Brighton and Rangiora Libraries.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

If you have a booking, you will receive a text shortly notifying you of this decision.
We will follow up once we reopen to rebook your sessions.

Kia noho haumaru, stay safe!
From the team at TechMate 💙

22/10/2025

UPDATE

Rangiora sessions will not be going ahead tomorrow with the severe wind warnings!

Stay safe everyone 💙🩵💛

🚨All Waimakariri Libraries will be closed tomorrow

Due to the RED Strong Wind Warning, all Waimakariri Libraries will be closed tomorrow Thursday 23 October.

💻Good News, our eLibrary is always open. Explore our collection here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/mu9c9cr7

We apologise for any inconvenience, thank you for your understanding💙

16/10/2025

Nau mai, Rolleston!

We are absolutely thrilled to be hosted by Te Ara Ātea, every Friday from 11am-1pm. No bookings required!

You can find our volunteers, Eric and Josh, here weekly to help with your tech enquiries. We can help with coaching and upskilling, or general tech support. You can also speak to us about our laptop donation scheme run in partnership with Recycle A Device.

Can’t get to this drop-in? Book in with our city location! You can also get help or support at our office, 213 Lichfield Street. Please contact us on 0800 766 763, or email us at [email protected]

15/10/2025

Yesterday we worked with Hagley College to donate 10 Chromebooks back to our hapori!

These Chromebooks will be used so that students have access to their online studies, allowing them to progress their education.

We are so grateful for the mahi that Recycle A Device put into their mission, so that those who cannot otherwise access a laptop have the chance at a digitally inclusive future with less barriers.

We heard from Anne (pictured middle) from Hagley College, on the purpose of the devices:

"The Chromebooks will be used by tamariki who attend our primary support programme which we run on a Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Often their whānau don’t have any devices at home and so the Chromebooks will help them learn computer skills and give them access to online learning programmes that will support their learning."

14/10/2025

Goodbye, Windows 10. Hello, Windows 11!

If you need help going from Windows 10 to Windows 11, get in touch with us. We can offer support or coaching when it comes to upgrading, or we can look into alternative options if Windows 11 is not compatible with your device.

[email protected]
0800 766 763

13/10/2025

Thank you to everyone who turned up to the Grand Day Out Expo run by Christchurch City Libraries!
We had an amazing time chatting about our services and forming connections with other organisations who are also looking to make a difference in the lives of older people when it comes to navigating technology and staying safe online.

We aided alongside the lovely Carolyn from ASB who aims to teach our most vulnerable tāngata about the importance of protecting yourself from online dangers.

Thank you to our awesome volunteers who took time out of their days to attend and share their knowledge.