Skip Content

With the National Library at the Raoera campus in Hamilton now home to a 3D printer.  Tauira and kaimahi are able to access a 3D printer for just a gold coin koha.

But what to print?  Well, literally there are no limits.  Whatever you can see, you can print.  It's more a case of where do you start?

Whether you need something for home (like one of those apple peelers) or something for the car (new door handle or aerial) or perhaps you just want to make something cool.  

We've put together 10 cool things you can print with the 3D printer.  Along with files and instructions. 

 

1. Make your own quadcopter

We've all seen them, now you can have one.  Simply print your own.  Instructions and files can be found here

 

2. Print your own Camera

Now its not the clearest of cameras, but for those Toi students you are going to love this.  This analouge camera with a mirror viewfinder gives the most beautiful of shots.  Instructions can be found here

 

3. Print your own guitar.

Could you imagine a guitar design completely out of māori designs?  You should totally print one or print this one.  Instructions here. 

 

4.  Got kids? Then you'll know they will love anything Minecraft.  Why not indulge their Minecraft with this diamond ore lamp (Instructions here)?  Or simply print them off the toy characters for them?

 

5.  Print yourself that apple peeler you saw on Trademe or simple Measuring spoons (instructions here).

 

6. Winter is here...and if you are a Game of Thrones fan you can have your very own Winterfell.  Instructions here.  

 

7. Gamer perhaps? Transform yourself into Master Chief from Halo with this set of helmet plans. Instructions here

 

8.  Get your medical on by printing your own wrist or arm brace.  Instructions here

 

9. Look after the elderly or the vulnerable and surprise them with a coffee cup holder for their wheelchair.

 

10.  The number ten coolest thing to print with a 3D printer.....a 3d printer. Instructions here

 

The library is open from 8.30am for kaimahi and tauira at Raoera campus, Te Rapa Rd. Hamilton.

Gold coin donation is required. 


 Back to news & events

Published On: 03 June 2015

Article By: Charis Oldfield



Other Articles

  • 18 June 2025

    Painting from within: Nakita’s creative awakening

    Discover the creative journey of contemporary Māori artist Nakita Tilson, whose passion for painting and Māori art was nurtured through her studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From overcoming health challenges to creating powerful works like Hine Tōhenga, Nakita’s story is one of resilience, identity, and painting from within.

  • 11 June 2025

    New country, new skills for Sophie

    Discover how Sophie Li, a recent immigrant from China, built confidence and community through study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From English language to money management and small business, Sophie’s journey highlights the power of accessible education for new migrants in Aotearoa.

  • 27 May 2025

    Wānanga partner with Waikato-Tainui to preserve and protect taonga

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Waikato-Tainui launch Te Tohu Tiaki Taonga, a new programme designed to equip iwi with the skills to preserve and protect taonga. Co-designed with iwi and experts, this kaupapa Māori qualification supports cultural archiving and heritage roles while upholding tikanga Māori.

  • 23 May 2025

    Rangatahi return to founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Rangatahi from Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha and Te Awamutu College return to the founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to study mahi toi through the Visual Arts Secondary Tertiary Programme.