NZ Men’s Sheds

E-mail : nb001@wave.co.nz

(from Neil Bruce)

Greetings all,
presently a steering group of four is preparing, on behalf of sheds
already established, an inaugural conference of men’s sheds in
Masterton from April 9-11th. This conference has principally been
organised to assist new sheds through establishment options, to
provide a network of sheds for members to support and visit each
other, to prevent unnecessary duplication, to learn collectively as
we combine our energies, expertise and experience to seek solutions
to problems and to achieve new goals and break new ground. The
Masterton shed has shown what is possible to achieve and we would
like to share their story along with your stories at this conference.
There are some critical areas we all need good information about,
Insurance, Public Liability, Safety in the Shed, First Aid, and we
need to find the best ways to sustainably fund sheds and their
activities. It is important to have local and national government
representatives aware of concerns we have and how these concerns can
be best addressed in the community.

The theme “Let the Shedding Begin” has at least four foci; awareness
raising for the wider community, including local and national
politicians, inspirational stories of the benefits of shedding for
individuals and communities, tools and ideas to equip shed advocates
grow the physical shed presence in each community, and discussion
about the formation of a National Association that can advocate and
promote the positive values that emerge from the Community Men’s
Shed model.

There will be other things to emerge – new friendships, enjoyment,
learning, humour, contacts and projects. And what about health,
wellbeing and innovation?

You all have so much to offer and if you wish to join in this
conference – please contact Peter McNeur peter.mcneur@waireap.org.nz
for more information

Cheers
Neil