Our team

Northcote Toy Library is a not-for-profit toy library operating since 1996 run by volunteers. We are funded by membership fees, grants, and through fundraising activities.

We are located at North Harbour Table Tennis Stadium (behind the YMCA).

Location: 5a Akoranga Drive Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand.

Covered parking is available right outside.

Our committee member are:

Librarians: Alissa Ritter and Ana Lee
Chair: Clare McIlwraith
Treasurer: Sarah Colin
Secretary: Helena Oh
Members Officer: Leslie Hoch
Grants Officer: Sarah Prevet
Social Media Officer: Cathy Williams
General Member: Sukriti Gupta
General Member: Jay Crangle

Clare McIlwraith

President/Chair

I grew up in Northcote and am happy to be back in the area of our wonderful Kaipatiki community now I have three kids. I have loved the toy library since joining when my first child was little. I started helping with grant applications a few years ago and now am very proud to Chair our wonderful Committee, which is comprised entirely of busy parents who give up their time to give back to the library. The Library was established in 1997 and I hope that our committee can ensure the successful running of the library for another 26+ years.

Sarah Colin

Treasurer

Helena Oh

Secretary

I was born in South Korea and raised in Hillcrest from 2002. I joined the Toy Library in 2021. It is the perfect way to show my little girl caring and sharing toys with others. I am happy to support this wonderful community.

Leslie Hoch

Members Officer

Bonjour, I am French and with my husband, we moved to New Zealand 9 years ago as we really loved this country. We now have 2 kiwi kids : Elliot is 7 and Talia 4. We have been members of this amazing toy library for the last 4 years. I love seeing their happy faces every 3 weeks when getting new toys!

Cathy Williams

Social Media Officer

I consider myself a Kiwi/Londoner, having split my adult life (and heart!) between the two places. When I had my daughter in London, I joined the local library there and loved the service so much that we joined the Northcote library as soon as we moved back to NZ. Alongside being mum to a feisty 3yo, I work part time at a local charity and enjoy being able to volunteer some time toward the toy library to keep the amazing service running.

Sarah Prevet

Grants Officer

As a mum of two young children, I appreciate how keen our little ones are to discover and play with new toys. Finding about the Toy Library has been such a revelation for me, the easiness of borrowing new toys every three weeks, with such a variety of categories, was incredible. So it totally made sense for me to join the committee and help our community to keep enjoying this amazing service. I hope you will enjoy it too!

Sukriti Gupta

General Member

With extensive experience in accounting firms and finance companies in India, Sukriti is a seasoned finance professional with a deep understanding of financial management and accounting principles. Having recently moved to Auckland, she is currently enjoying a fulfilling career break as a stay-at-home mom to a toddler.

Jay Crangle

General Member

Jay grew up in Northcote and after long stint overseas returned to live here. She is a Mum to a busy 2 year old boy who enjoys the toy library as much as she did growing up.

Ash McKinnon

Committee Member

G'day! I'm an Aussie who has moved over to Auckland for a working holiday with my husband and 2.5 year old daughter. Toy Library has been a fantastic way to keep our daughter entertained! We are so grateful for the amazing toys and wonderful staff.