How community, advocacy, and systems change come together to create a more sustainable and connected future.
Exploring the journey of building a community-centred repair economy and the impact it can have on both people and the planet. Through thoughtful strategy and grounded action, the speaker shares how their organisation brings people together to rethink consumption, repair what already exists, and contribute to lasting change. The talk also highlights the importance of advocacy work happening behind the scenes, influencing legislation and shaping systems that support sustainable futures.
About the speaker
Brigitte Sistig is the founder of Repair Network Aotearoa and a leading force behind the Repair Café movement across the country. A passionate advocate for the circular economy and the Right to Repair, she is a dynamic community leader committed to reducing waste and rethinking our relationship with consumption. Her work has been recognised with the Growing the Movement Award at the Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards.
Brigitte believes Repair Cafés are about much more than fixing broken items, they are spaces that foster community connection, build resilience, and create opportunities for shared learning. By encouraging repair over replacement, they help people save money while contributing to a cultural shift away from throwaway consumerism.
Since the first Repair Café launched in Amsterdam in 2009, the movement has grown to more than 40 countries worldwide. Here in Aotearoa, there are now close to 90 Repair Cafés operating, reflecting the growing momentum of this community-led approach.
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