Auahatanga – Creative Spaces: Matatiki Hornby Centre
Ideas come to life at the library
Step into a world of possibilities at Matatiki Hornby Centre's Auahatanga Creative Space—where cutting-edge technology meets your inspiration.
No bookings needed—just bring your curiosity and bring your ideas to life.
Our welcoming environment invites you to:
- Experiment with state-of-the-art digital tools at your own pace
- Connect with our knowledgeable team for project guidance and inspiration
- Uncover creative possibilities you never imagined were within reach
Drop in during our open hours
- Tuesdays: 1pm to 4pm
- Wednesdays: 10am to 1pm
- Thursdays: 12noon to 6pm
- Saturdays: 10am to 4pm Closed for lunchbreak 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Need more personalised guidance? Schedule a Book a Creative session with our Learning Specialists on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Events
- Check the costs and charges for materials and services
- Can't make a Creative Time or need expert guidance? Book a Creative
Technology
3D printingYou can design and print 3D designs at Christchurch City Libraries. We have several 3D printers that can be used to make small objects out of plastic. There are two Prusa i3 MK3 3D printers at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
 |
Badge MakerA badge maker allows you to make custom wearable button badges. The badge design can be hand-drawn or designed on a computer using software such as Inkscape, Affinity Designer, or Adobe Illustrator. You can make 25mm and 58mm badges at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
|
Craft CutterA Cameo 4 cutter contains a very sharp blade that is controlled by a computer. The blade can move precisely to cut shapes out of materials such as paper, card, adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, sticker paper, or sublimation paper / invisible ink paper. There are two Silhouette Cameo 4 craft cutters at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
 |
Heat PressA heat press is a large type commercial iron. It has controls for pre-set temperature, time and pressure, making it ideal for the application of heat transfer vinyl to fabric, garments (such as t-shirts) and other media. There is a Cugi Heat Press 38cm x 38cm at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
 |
Laser CuttingA laser cutter provides a fast and accurate way of cutting a variety of materials, such as paper, card, acrylic, wood, laminate and fabric. There is a Thunder Laser Nova-24 60W CO2 Laser 600mm x 400mm at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
|
Sewing machines, overlockers, and embroidery machinesConstruct your own projects from fabric using our sewing machines and overlockers, embellish with stitched designs using the embroidery machine. At Matatiki Hornby Centre, there is :
Find out more about sewing machines, overlockers, and embroidery machines |
|
Vacuum FormerA vacuum former is a machine for creating simple moulds. It uses heat to stretch a sheet of plastic over an object, then uses a vacuum to suck the sheet closely to the object’s surface. There is a Vacucu 3D vacuum former at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
|
Vinyl Printing and CuttingThe vinyl printer and cutter is a large format inkjet printer that can be used to print graphics and types of vinyl media. There is a Roland BN2-20A vinyl printer and cutter at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
|
Film Printing and CuttingThere is a Roland BY-20 printer at Matatiki Hornby Centre. |
AV Studio
Whether you're laying vocals or telling stories, Matatiki Hornby Centre AV Studio is the place for you! Create your own music at the library using instruments, recording equipment and specialist software. Discover how to use the studio safely and independently.
AV Studio bookings – Library members can book the AV Studio through the Matatiki Hornby Library team.
Inductions happen Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12noon — ideal for anyone keen to get started.
Matatiki Hornby Centre AV Studio operates during library hours.
Equipment available at the Matatiki Hornby Centre AV Studio
- Focusrite Clarett Audio Interface.
- Two monitors (rockits)
- Monitor
- iMac with: Logic Pro, Ableton, and Adobe Suite
- Midi Keyboard
- Rode NT1, Shure SM58, SM57
- Acoustics and Electric guitar
- Launch Pad
- Headphone set (Beyer Dynamic)
FAQs
Who can use the AV Studio?
Library members that have been inducted can use the studio during booking hours.
Is there an age limit?
14+ / Year 10 at School
Is there a cost?
No, the room is free to book.
How does the Induction work?
Induction times are available
Wednesday 10am to12noon and Saturday 10am to 12noon—15 minutes slots
You will be shown all the equipment and instructed on correct use. Once there’s evidence of your understanding, you will be signed off for independent use of the space.
How long can I use the AV Studio?
Limit of 2 hours per customer per day.
Can I bring my own instruments?
Yes. The library provides an acoustic, electric guitar, midi keyboards, and microphones. You may wish to bring your own along.
When can I use the AV Studio?
Available during library opening hours
