understorey /ˈʌndəstɔːri/ noun “COMMUNITY a gathering place where creativity thrives and authentic connection is abundant.”

9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday at The Welder, 20-26 Welles St.
Self nominated access scale, as little as $5 per day casual, after hours access and permanent desks available.
After hours access/events by arrangement
Vaccine Pass Required

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.
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.

Our Fees

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.

daily

weekly

weekly + after hours access

up to 2 hours per day = free / $2 koha

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$5

$20

$50

$10

$40

$80

$20

$70

$120

  • Is cost a barrier? Kōrero with us about time exchange where you contribute your time as part-payment of your membership.
  • Includes black and white printing. Colour printing is at cost. 
  • Complimentary tea and coffee. Please support the local cafes for your espresso needs.
  • After hours / event hire rates: please enquire for a price. Rates are based on your purpose and our cost of opening the space. Typically costs are between $30 75 per hour. Community group rates are available.
  • Connect

    Come be for free in the city – drop by and hang out in the lounge space or the connection pod – they’re great for kōrero! Tamariki are welcome with supervision, and we invite rangatahi to join us in the space. 

    Collaborate

    Got an idea for an event you want to hold, or a future project you’d like to discuss? Do you have skills you’d like to share?  Get in touch. 
     

    Co-work

    Need a home-away-from-home-office plant haven to work in from time to time? Join us at understorey – we’ll have wifi and a small kitchenette set up for you to use. Having a meeting in town? Bring them to understorey. 

    Join our community 

    Want to be more hands on? We’ve got various volunteering opportunities up coming at understorey – read about the roles here, and register your interest here. 

    We’re a small non-profit with big dreams; whilst we have some funding for understorey, every little bit helps. We invite you to support us by making a donation. All donations support The Green Lab to continue our wellbeing mahi in Ōtautahi. 

    Thanks to our sponsors:

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