The Papermill – Providing Purpose and Opportunities for 35 Years

The Papermill – Providing purpose and opportunities for the intellectually disabled community over the last thirty-five years.
Story written by Janine Duncan

Whangārei’s The Papermill is a wonderful example of a therapeutic programme that provides intellectually disabled clients the opportunity to explore their creative potential, and grow personally, in a safe, supportive environment, where everyone can be their true selves.

Established in 1989, The Papermill (run under The Blue Goose Papermill Charitable Trust), currently has 23 clients/Papermakers who are tutored in handmade papermaking, and creative paper art. Incorporating both individual plans and group projects, the programme aims to provide purpose, and build confidence, team work, self-esteem and communication through creative expression and learning new skills. Referrals are made directly, or through the school transition programme, and some clients have been attending for nearly ten years.

The Papermill’s products are very unique; being handmade from recycled paper, and natural material and plant fibres. A variety of textures and prints are used, and while some products, (including annual exhibition pieces) can be ordered online, most paper is custom made. Their most popular items are seeded wildflower paper, (commonly used in menus and wedding invitations), and unique handmade greeting cards, (available on their website and onsite shop, as well as the Quarry Arts Centre and The Bach in the Town Basin.)

Additionally, the studio, located at 38 Kamo Road, welcomes the public from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. This is a unique opportunity to browse, interact with the papermakers, and trial papermaking under a tutor’s guidance. It also assists in building a greater understanding and appreciation of the contributions intellectually disabled people bring to their community. Most visitors come away utterly amazed by their talent and comment on the wonderful environment.

As part of the programme, clients participate in exhibitions and are encouraged to enter various art awards. Last year, The Papermill held their annual exhibition in the grounds of Reyburn House, titled “Our Prints, Our People, Our Stories.” In recent years, they have entered the Northland Bernina Wearable Art Awards, and were highly successful at the 2024 IHC Awards, with 80% of Papermill’s artwork sold. According to Business Manager, Paula Lang, their success made them feel ‘’pleased as punch.” “They are very proud of their exhibition pieces and love seeing them displayed.”

After nearly ten years with the organisation, Paula mentions several surprises and highlights, including the client’s capabilities when given opportunities, how kind and supportive they are towards one another. and seeing first hand their personal and creative growth. She provides an inspirational example of a client, who initially very shy, is now considered a leader, and has grown substantially in terms of confidence and conversational skills.

At the conclusion of each day, Creative Director, Moana, takes the time to discuss everyone’s personal highlight. For the majority, it is ‘’simply being here.” This captures how integral The Papermill is to their lives, and the wider Whangārei community.

More information on The Papermill can be found at www.thepapermill.co.nz, or by emailing Business Manager, Paula Lang, at info@thepapermill.co.nz.