New Zealand Men's Sheds

Australian Men’s Conference RprtNMB
The progress in Men’s Sheds in NZ has been rapid and there is obviously a need for further networking nationally that a number of us have mused about since last year. It appears that the time is right to establish some kind of network to begin with which can be developed further as issues rise for discussion. I am mindful of whatever happens it requires input from someone in each shed who has the mix of qualities to communicate well with members, suggest, develop and implement ideas, and without the tasks being too onerous have a reliable point of contact for questions and answers to be posted.

In my report to my sponsors, I have summarised at the end what issues are likely to be important and at the stage we are at in Hamilton, these centre around Insurance, Safety, and FINANCE. Critical to the successful operation of the shed I found overseas and in our own situation, is the role of coordinator. Because of the responsibilities and operation of the shed, this really needs to be possibly a paid position – I am not saying that volunteers can or should not do this. Tthe successful operation of a shed frequently revolves around a wonderful people person who has a good knowledge experience and understanding of people and trade related skills, practices including safety. Often this person has to be available during the day when many shed enthusiasts are in full time employ. Enough……

All sheds will be different but there are many issues that will result in lively discussion

Please find enclosed the report for my sponsors following the Australian Conference held last month.

I make a suggestion that we try and coordinate a type of video conference meeting firstly done through schools or agencies who have a video conferencing facility.

I will explore with my principal today what the logistical bits are and wonder if we threw that ball into your court Trevor for guidance (Oxford Area School) as a teacher using video conferencing already and maybe you could target some time next week before the school holidays as a time for some of us to attempt to connect nationally. Dare I say this might be better done one evening ?
In addition to that, it would be good to have some web central clearing point and I am aware that Don Pettitt and Gund Wehsling from our Shed and Arthur (West Franklin) have all been active in this area.

I appreciate the contacts you have made with me recently and I will try and get this invitation to as many of you as I can. While I send this from my home computer could you please reply via my work email br@melville-high.school.nz

If you are happy for me to share your contact details from here with each other then I will do so. I am not sure whether I have made contact with someone from Alexandra or Wanaka yet – if you know those people please forward this to them.

PS I have really only circulated this to those who have responded to me with particular sheds in development or up and running that I know about – 21 contacts so far.

Regards Neil

Neil Bruce (Dr)
166 Morrinsville Road
Newstead RD4
Hamilton 3284
NEW ZEALAND

ph +64 7 8560054
Fx +64 7 8560054
mob +64 21 1545026

Our Vision is:

• Every community in Australia will have a men’s shed.
• To address the issues of men’s health (physical, emotional and social well-being) in the community.
• To engage the elderly, differently-abled, youth, veterans and other groups of men of the communities in both rural Australia and urban
• Australia, and to specifically address any issues of isolation, loneliness and depression;
• To support the social interaction of men in transitional periods (e.g. Redundancy, Bereavement, Retirement, Ill Health, Relocation, Respite Care);
• To share, disseminate and preserve the skills, abilities and interests that are relevant to the community.

Our Mission is:

• To provide the skill, expertise and resources to any community group to
• enable it to establish, effectively operate and build a sustainable men’s shed.
• To facilitate links between men and health-related agencies, family organisations and specialist health professionals within the community.
• To advocate the benefits and build partnerships between men’s sheds and the community.
• To demonstrate to men’s sheds how their operation can be cost neutral, that is, that its ongoing costs can be met or exceeded by its revenue.
• To initiate and disseminate research on topics of particular relevance to men and their men’s shed.
• To provide a strong national voice on men’s issues and men’s sheds.

13 October 2008

In Pursuing our Vision, We Commit to the Following Values:

• Compassion and empathy in serving men in all communities,
• Sincerity and devotion to improving of men’s health,
• Honesty and integrity in all our activities,
• Reliability and trustworthiness in delivering on our promises,
• Responsiveness to the needs of men, their families and their communities,
• Wisdom in applying technology and innovation to the improvement of men’s sheds,
• Respect for the value added by teamwork and participation to life-long learning,
• Appreciation of the value of contributions by partners and sponsors,
• Responsibility and generosity in giving back to the community.