New Zealand Men's Sheds

HI Sheddies,

You’ll find the flyer here for the inaugural national conference for any of you that care to attend.

Menzshed conference 2010 (PDF, 168KB)

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

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

We have received our copy of the Australian Men’s Sheds Association Newsletter – April 2009. There is further information about the 3rd National Men’s Shed Conference on the 24th and 25th August, 2009. The Conference has been moved to the Wrest Point Hotel in Hobart. This issue gives details on how to register through the ASMA website.

The theme for the 2009 National Men’s Shed Conference is “Where to from Here”? focusing on Shed management and self sustainability. Panel discussions will investigate current sustainable developments and individual papers will explain  sustainability evaluation tools and how Thriving Sheds are constantly Reinventing Themselves.  A workshop will investigate new activities for Sheds and these apply to Sheds in the Planning and Start up stages as well as established facilities. A workshop will discuss the information that Councils, Sponsors and Community groups require when a Shed is planned and real life examples will cover the birth from”Concept to Reality” and aspects of Training.

A key feature of Men’s Sheds is improving men’s health and there will be a special focus on this role of Sheds in relation to Men’s Health issues.

3rd National Men’s Shed Conference

Venue

Brighton Civic Centre, Hobart, Tasmania

Dates

27/28 August 2009

Contact

Email:- bridegwatershed@bigpond.com Tel :- (03) 6263 5142 Fax :- (03) 6263 5142