Men’s Shed coming to Orewa

The value of practical skills – being able to make and fix things – has proved itself in every community that has a Men’s Shed in its midst.

There are 22 of these sheds in NZ, and some have more than 100 members.

They consist of not-for-profit community workshops where, for a small fee, members can drop in for a chat and to work on tasks.

Men’s Shed North Shore chair Ross McEwan of Orewa recently took the first step towards establishing a Men’s Shed on the Coast.

He says Men’s Sheds are growing in popularity because of the enthusiasm of members who clock up thousands of hours doing community work and independent projects.

 “An awful lot of problems can be solved in the lunch room, because the men bring so many different skills to the table,” he says.

Examples of projects include making rat traps for use in Okura Bush, dog exercise equipment for parks and fixing play equipment for preschools.

The sheds generally have woodworking, engineering, electronics and model making equipment, which is donated or purchased.

Ross says as well as putting their skills to good use, Men’s Sheds provide an important social network. The sheds are also open to women and teenagers but the majority of members are retired men who may no longer have their own shed as they downsize their home.

At a presentation to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board last month, Ross said that getting a shed established is not an easy task and won’t happen overnight.

At this stage, the possibility of setting up in Victor Eaves Reserve has been mentioned with Council providing the land and a local Men’s Shed committee being formed to fundraise for a building.

Further discussions with local board members are ongoing and Ross says he hopes to hold a public meeting to gauge interest in the project and get the ball rolling.

Anyone interested in being part of the project can contact Ross on 09 959 0185 or email admin@mensshednorthshore.org.nz