One hour of a member's time earns a credit, which can be spent on getting what is needed from another member.
Members manage their own offers, requests and recording of trades on the Kaitaia Timebank website, with support available for those not online.
"Timebanking builds on the magic and good feeling of paying it forward," Stephanie said.
"Credits are not necessary before trading, and can be earned when you are ready to help someone else with what they might need.
"The possibilities of what can be exchanged through TimeBanking are almost limitless — transport locally to appointments and further afield, baking, fitness coaching, paperwork assistance, German lessons and weaving tuition are among the services listed online."
One member earned the credits she needed for someone to get her car stereo working by maintaining a few community Facebook pages.
"Easy, and a nice way to meet new people and to feel like you're part of a community," she said.
"Timebanking sees everyone as an asset in the community — everyone has something to offer," Stephanie said.
"Every person and every skill is equally valued. No matter what type of work is undertaken, one hour always equals one time credit. One hour of dog-walking equals one hour of painting equals one hour of computer tutoring."
Regular working bees and workshops were also on the agenda, from candle-making to tree pruning so far this year. Still to come were soap-making, recording and publishing oral history and more.
"Skills are also taught to help increase self-sufficiency and sustainability, and also bring people together in fun, informal settings," she said.
"Working bees are very productive and fun, and a great place to meet other Timebankers. Being involved not only gives you a support network when needed, but adds richness to members' lives. Social events build connections, and a sense of community among members."
Bartering goods and services had been around "since forever," she said, but the formalised system of banking time was begun in 1980 by Professor Edgar Cahn, a lawyer and speech writer for Robert F Kennedy.
It was brought to New Zealand by Margaret Jefferies, after she attended a workshop on the concept in the United States, and had gained popularity after several natural disasters.
"Initially people thought we were tree-hugging greenies or something like that," national and Canterbury co-ordinator Jules Lee said, "but as some people saw the impact it was having on the community, other people from communities around New Zealand wanted to know what it was about."
The Kaitaia Timebank currently had around 80 members, with more joining weekly, and so far this year more than 1400 hours of time had been exchanged, Stephanie said.
People of all ages and all abilities were welcome to join, and, after a one-hour orientation session at the Kaitaia Eco Centre, would be free to trade in a whole range of skills.
¦For more information go to www.kaitaia.timebanks.org, email kaitaiatimebank@gmail.com, or phone the Eco Centre on (09) 408-1086.
