Visit TAP lab
We know that for some people going to an unfamiliar place can be overwhelming. We hope to give you all the information you need to feel at ease visiting for the first time.
Explore TAP lab
Getting to TAP lab
Our Address
TAP lab is located on level 1 (upstairs) of the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre
By Car
If you’re coming to visit us by car, there is lots of parking at the back of the community centre that you are free to use. You can access this carpark from Pringle Rd.
Public Transport
The Community Centre has bus stops for the 13 and 135 busses right outside the front door (stop 5056 for arriving or 5091 to leave).
Both these busses go via the Te Atatu Bus Interchange where they meet up with the 11, 11W and 11T services, along with the frequent WX1. There are also regular connections to the Henderson bus interchange.
Find out more with the AT Journey Planner
Cycling
The Community Centre is accessible by bike, and is alongside the Northwestern cycle path which includes separated cycleways and shared paths. You can join the cycle path from the Te Atatu Motorway Interchange by following the cycling route along Te Atatu Road.
Unfortunately TAP lab does not have room to store bikes inside the lab, however there are bike racks at the front and rear of the community centre (recommended during the day only), and you can bring your bike inside the foyer (after centre hours only).
Accessible Access
There are four mobility carparks available at the rear of the community centre as part of the building’s parking, there is also an additional mobility carpark on the main road.
Inside the Community Centre a lift is available to reach the 1st floor, and accessible bathrooms and facilities are available on the ground and 1st floor.
Navigating the Community Centre
TAP lab is on the first floor of the community centre. Head up the stairs or the lift, these are in the entryway opposite the library entrance (the large glass doors).
After hours access
As many of our sessions take place after the Community Centre closes sometimes the building doors will be locked. If this happens, look for the TAP lab logo on the doors and call the number below it. No one will answer the phone, but let it ring a few times and if anyone is in TAP lab they will come down to let you in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do when I arrive? Who do I talk to?
When you get into TAP lab, please make sure that you sign in and read our ‘How does this work’ poster. These are located on the right hand side of the lab under the glowing TAP lab sign. Please sign in to TAP lab using the tablet, this helps us have a record of who was present in case of an incident, and helps with our funding applications.
In most cases, the facilitator’s name will be displayed on the tablet once you have signed in, they will also introduce themselves as soon as they are able to (they may be helping others with a project). You can also speak with any of our members who are there and they may be able to help you get started.
After you have signed in, feel free to have a look around the lab, or get yourself set up at a table (please be mindful of taking up a large space if it is a busy session). As a general rule, you can sit anywhere that is free.
What equipment can I use?
TAP lab uses a colour and number coded system for our equipment, with items ranging between Safety level 1: low risk (green) to Safety level 4: Extreme risk (red). You should be able to easily see these stickers on most equipment.
You can use any Safety level 1: low risk (green) equipment without supervision (just read the safety card first). For Safety level 2 (yellow) you will need to have a quick safety briefing from a member or facilitator first. Any Safety level 3 (orange) or Safety level 4 (red) equipment will require you to be supervised by one of our trainers.
You can find out more about our equipment licencing and safety system, as well as the available equipment on our Safety Site
When should I come in?
We have open sessions throughout the week focusing on different areas of interest, you can see our full list of regular sessions on our What’s on page. For most sessions we will have a facilitator on site before the session actually starts, however many of our facilitators are volunteers and may be unable to help you before the scheduled start time.
Our member’s often use the space during the day, or outside our scheduled sessions. While some member’s may be happy to show you around the space while they are working on their own projects during the day please be mindful of their time and do not expect someone to be available to help you outside of a scheduled session.
What should I bring?
Yourself, and your Creativity! TAP lab has most of the equipment and tools you will need including laptops, although if you need something specific or prefer to use your own tools you are welcome to bring them in.
If you have a current project make sure to bring it in to work on, if you don’t have a current project you’ll be able to get lots of ideas, or pick something up at the space to start learning!
As part of our safety systems: Please make sure you are wearing Closed Toe shoes. For some items of equipment you may need to tie up long hair or restrict loose items of clothing or accessories.
I can't get into the building, what should I do?
As many of our sessions take place after the Community Centre closes sometimes the building doors will be locked. If this happens, look for the TAP lab logo on the doors and call the number below it. No one will answer the phone, but let it ring a few times and if anyone is in TAP lab they will come down to let you in.
Can I bring a support person? Is the space suitable for young children?
TAP lab is a family friendly space, and you are welcome to bring anyone who will make you feel comfortable – although anyone under 18 will need a guardian present except for a few of our sessions where we have processes in place for younger makers.
Please remember, we are a makerspace with a lot of tools available. Young children will need to be closely supervised as there are sharp, hot, and heavy items of equipment.
What food and drink is in the area?
During the Day
Throughout the day there are a range of bakeries, takeaways, and dairies available within a couple of hundred meters of the community centre.
At night
At night, the peninsula has several restaurants and places to get takeaways for dinner.
In TAP lab
TAP lab does have a microwave and kettle, however we do not have a kitchen available. Depending on how busy the centre is, our facilitator may be able to let you in to a neighbouring room with running water.
No Supermarket
There is currently no supermarket on the peninsula, with the closest supermarket being Woolworths Te Atatu South (before the motorway interchange). A New World is scheduled to open next door in mid 2026.
There is something else I'm not sure about
If there is something you aren’t sure about or you would like more information before coming into the space you can email us at kiaora@taplab.nz