New Zealand Men's Sheds

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.

“Like Mushrooms” is the best way to describe the Men’s Shed projects in Canterbury. The most recent project under consideration is in Sumner. Others so far in various stages of development are based in:

• Riccarton
• St Albans
• Hei Hei
• New Brighton
• Oxford
• Ashburton
• Selwyn District

Contact The Canterbury Men’s Centre if you want to know more, or to get on our mailing list for our monthly Men’s Shed Hub meetings.

Men’s Sheds began in Australia. They offer a place for men to gather, to talk, to learn new skills and make friends.

The Canterbury Men’s Centre are conscious of the challenging times facing New Zealanders. Redundancy and financial pressures effect men’s ability to feel worthwhile. Men’s Sheds provide a place where men can get together cooperatively to be inspired and encouraged by each other.

There are currently no Men’s Sheds in Canterbury. Based on Australian research we anticipate men’s sheds in Canterbury will provide significant educational, health, mental health and social outcomes for men. We think that the time is right for them to really get going here. By facilitating start-ups, helping to deal with crisis and linking the enthusiastic individuals involved we can help to create a great place for men to be and to feel worthwhile.

Golding et al’s Men’s Sheds Study

Channel 9 Dunedin: Blokes Shed Movement Comes To New Zealand

July 10, 2008 - The Blokes Shed movement has its humble beginnings in Australia, but they called them Men’s Sheds… In New Zealand the movement is quite new, although the concept of older people looking after one another has been around a while.

Dominion Post: Men to get their own sharing shed

Older Wellington blokes could soon be bonding in a New Age garden shed in a busy suburban street, thanks to the example of our Ocker mates. Community care provider Wesley Care, with support from Wellington City Council, is scouring Newtown for premises to establish a “Men’s Shed”.

Men’s sheds in Australia: Learning through community contexts

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