Nemo Workroom

27/07/2026

Will we ever value textiles again?
There was a time when clothes weren’t disposable.

When a jacket wasn’t replaced because the zip broke.
When a tear wasn’t the end of a garment’s story.
When every patch, every stitch and every repair became part of its history.

The Japanese practice of "Boro" was born from necessity. Families mended and layered textiles over generations because fabric was simply too valuable to waste. Today, those same pieces are admired as beautiful works of textile art.

It makes us wonder…

Have we as a society forgotten the value of the things we wear?

At Nemo Workroom, we’d love to see us return to a culture where repairing is the first thought, not replacing.

If you’ve got 15 minutes, this RNZ interview with textile collector Pip Steel is well worth a listen. It explores the history of boro and asks us to rethink what makes something valuable.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/culture-101/audio/2019044935/pip-steel-on-boro-the-high-value-japanese-textile-art-born-from-poverty

💛 We’d love to hear your thoughts… Have we become too quick to throw clothes away?

Boro is the Japanese tradition of mending and patching fabric over generations, born in rural farming and fishing communities where nothing could be wasted. The repairs were always done on the back of the cloth, never meant to be seen, and pieces were sometimes built up across seven or eight layers....

25/07/2026

Brilliant ! Way to Go Campbell Read

28/06/2026

Ever wondered what happens after you drop your garment off? 👀

Welcome to the heart of Nemo Workroom.

This is where jackets get new zips. Where favourite jeans get a second chance. Where wedding dresses are altered, ski gear is repaired, and beloved teddy bears are stitched back together.

It might not look glamorous, but this room is responsible for saving thousands of garments from landfill every year.

Every paper bag on those shelves contains a story waiting to be returned to its owner.

And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way. 🧵💛

26/06/2026

The best compliments don’t come from us. They come from our couples. 💛

We’re incredibly proud to share that Nemo Workroom has been named the Winner of the 2026 Couples’ Choice Award for Suit & Formalwear Alterations, and was also recognised as Highly Commended for Bridal Gown Alterations.

These awards mean a little more to us because they’re voted for by the people we’ve had the privilege of helping.

Every last-minute hem.
Every perfectly fitted suit.
Every wedding dress adjusted with nervous hands and excited conversations.

It’s all part of someone’s wedding story, and we never take that responsibility lightly.

To every couple who trusted us with one of the biggest days of their lives… thank you.

This award belongs to you just as much as it does to us. 🧵✨

29/05/2026

We know life doesn’t always give you weeks to plan ahead.

So for the month of June, we’re removing rush fees on repairs and alterations.

Same expert work.
Same attention to detail.
Just faster — without the added cost.

If you’ve been putting something off… this is your sign!

11/05/2026

This one hit close to home. 🧵

Tailoring, alterations, repairs… these skills take years to learn properly. They’re slow crafts in a world that increasingly wants everything fast, cheap, and disposable.

But here at Nemo, we still believe there’s enormous value in making, mending, and preserving clothing with care.

Every zip replaced, every seam repaired, every garment altered instead of discarded… it matters.

Not just for the planet, but for keeping these skills alive for the next generation too. 💛

A really interesting read from RNZ:

Tailors in Auckland say the amount of work they have is not slowing down, but not many younger people are choosing to get into the trade.

30/04/2026

Winter’s on its way, and now’s the time to check your gear.

A quick repair now can save you a cold, frustrating day on the mountain later, and save your wallet *now*!

From small fixes to full repairs, we’ll make sure your ski gear is ready for Queenstown’s season ahead. ❄️

Pop in and see us before the rush hits! 3 Gray Street, Frankton //