Dunedin Timebank committee member Emma McGuirk said timebanking was a network of people exchanging skills and support.
Although the Dunedin Timebank had been in a ''pilot phase'' for the past 18 months, members had traded 78 hours, she said.
The trades had included transport to the airport, grass scything workshops, music lessons, beekeeping advice, smartphone, computer and Skype tutorials and the knitting of a shawl, Ms McGuirk said.
Any time worked could be banked and used for a different service at a later date.
People who wanted to trade time needed to pay the $10 lifetime membership fee and then advertise their skill, or request a skill, on the timebank website ''community weaver'' and wait for a response.
She said prospective members could join by visiting the Princes St office or www.dunedin.timebanks.org. The timebank had received financial support from the Department of Internal Affairs' community organisation grants scheme and the council, Ms McGuirk said.
''All the people we have spoken to at the council are really excited by timebanking.''
Council events and community development manager Rebecca Williams said $2178 was granted to Dunedin Timebank.
The council supported timebanking as a concept, she said.
''Because it's using people's assets, whatever they may be, and working together to make a better community.''
Dunedin Timebank co-ordinator Liz Carroll-Lowe said she was ''very excited'' to start her six-month contract last week. The aim of the paid 14-hour-a-week role was to bring the Dunedin community together and to encourage people to become members, Ms Carroll-Lowe said.
''We haven't been out there promoting so we don't know who we are going to get but we are open to getting anybody in Dunedin. I would hate to see us tie it to a particular demographic because it's so new. Let's just go for everybody.''
