The Massey Laundry team meet with us yesterday introducing their new team members (Gwn, Georgie and Rick) and gave us an energetic pitch that covered the project's purpose and their first trial. First showing us a video clip to set the scene the team launched dramatically into their pitch.

The team looks at the laundry service on campus as an opportunity to create culture. They relate back to the residential hall the Cube and the social experiences they had in the shared laundry. Saying like the Cube, Massey is a hub where student gather on campus at the same time, that not only can the laundry get students clothes clean, but can be a location to socialise. 

Where does the team want to put it? For the location the laundry team says they think a central place with indoor outdoor flow is best. The place would be aerated, easily seen, somewhere on the outskirts of the campus so student don't have to carry their washing through the uni. Identifying level 3 in the SST building as a place they'd think would work, saying it is central, possibilities for aeration and with breakout spaces in the building for people to wait for their clothes to be clean.

The team also identified some problems they may come across:

• Health & safety - will need clear instructions on how to use the machines
• Paying for the service - paying coinage for the machines is a possibility, but where would people get the coins from. Could it be a token system? Or is it swipe access with a paid membership, or even something to a co-op scheme?
• University backlash
• Laws - this project will need to conform to any laws, hygiene, commercial appliances etc.
• Sustainable - what ever the project creates will need to either be breaking even or creating a profit
• Treaty of Waitangi - the solution will need to be respectful of Māori culture.

The trial was pitched to run over 5-10 days, the team will hire machines from Mr Rental or buy 2nd hand off Trade Me. The team will push the laundry hard through advertising with videos, posters - they identify themselves as a team with strong skills in people to people communication. Gwn told us how at his highschool they had a laundry next to the school canteen. They all believe the laundry will be a huge selling point to nursing students and the soon-to-have-a-uniform sport and exercise students.

Next came the Pros:

• The laundry will be a comfortable environment
• People don't have to worry about kitting out their flat with a washing machine
• Most people flat close to uni, or with fairer fairs commuting washing in won't be a problem.
• Uniforms and gym gear will be easily washable
• It will bring people together and create friendships

The cons - Jack claims none at all.

The feedback
Both Mags and myself (Marie) were very impressed with the teams pitch. We have asked the team to go out and talk to students about their assumptions and then bring back a more thought-out proposal detailing costs, dates and how the team will measure their impact. To help the team out Mags and I will try to find a space for the team to host the trial and even see if their are any staff members keen to come onboard. It was also speculated that starting with driers might be a better option, as they only require power, not water too.

Mags and Marie meet with Jack Mayo today to talk to him about his idea for a self-service laundry on the Massey Wellington campus. This idea came from students needing a convenient and viable way to do their laundry if they are unable to at their flat. The laundry will provide these students will a positive and cheap place to wash and dry their clothes.

The laundry wouldn't just be for students, staff would be able to use it too for their needs if they wish. An idea floated today; that students and staff may pay a semesterly membership to have access to the secure room where one or two washers and driers are. Perhaps even complementary washing powder will be available. Jack also acknowledged that key users of the service could be gym goers and nursing students who need to wash their uniforms and clothes more regularly.

Project Goals

• Establish a need for the laundry service
• Make sure it adds to the community on campus
• Validate if people will pay for the service, how much and how often
• Get something up and running by semester two 2018

Focus Questions

• Where will money from the memberships go?
• What will be the cost of operating a laundry?
• Would people use it?
• Where should it be located, who will use it?
• Should it be in more than just one site?

Potential Collaborators

• ​Facilities
• Washing machine companies
• Washing detergent companies
• Massey University

Challenges

• Space
• Funding
• On going costs
• Security
• Who would be responsible for maintaining the laundry
• People leaving their laundry in the room
• Cleaning of the room
• Servicing the washing machines

Assumptions

• Students want/need the Massey Laundry
  
• The university will be proud of having this service
  
• It is a viable service to provide on the Massey Campus

Next steps
The next steps for Jack is to create a team around the project and start talking to multiple people at the university about the idea including the Campus Registrar, Student Central Manager, the students, recreation, Louis from The Cube and MAWSA's Nursing Executive.