Improving mental and physical health and creating a sense of belonging, Te Puke Menz Shed is more than just a workshop.

It’s the life skills, opportunities and meaningful connection that brings the men back to the shed week after week.

Te Puke Menz Shed is a fully equipped wood working workshop for men over 60 to participate in projects, repairing and making goods for themselves and the wider community. The shed offers men a welcoming space to share their skills, have a laugh, and work on practical projects, both individually and as a group.

It’s an initiative that started in Australia in the 1990s and had a worldwide community. Menz Sheds can be found all around New Zealand, with 10 sheds throughout the Bay of Plenty. Established in 2017, Te Puke Menz Shed has more than 35 members.

With a focus on all things wooden, projects are wide ranging from crafting new items, to repairing furniture and restoration projects. Timber toys are thoughtfully crafted with care and donated to organisations such as the Salvation Army which gives them to families in need.

Creating bespoke outcomes to suit their unique need, members work closely with schools, daycare centres, kindergartens, churches, community centres, the general public, councils, and environmental agencies.

Current president Kevin Heath said that working directly with the local community means the men could use their skills to support them with custom, hand-crafted solutions.

“Whether they need rat traps made for pest management, or play equipment for a local school, the men take immense pride in their work.

“Being a part of the shed is a lot of fun and it is great to see new faces join us, especially when they are younger than most of us. It’s our hope that they will carry on building the future in this special place.”

The shed provided a true sense of purpose for its members, with the friendships formed supporting their mental and physical wellbeing. Addressing men’s health issues was a core objective of the Menz Shed movement, where there were opportunities for health providers to come and kōrero with the men in an environment where the men feel comfortable.

“When I first joined the shed, I did so because I enjoy working with my hands and making ‘stuff’, however I have since learned that the shed is not about woodwork, it is about maintaining men’s wellbeing in their retirement years and wood working is just the mechanism by which we do that.”

TECT Community Trust granted more than $7000 to the shed in 2024 for replacement and purchase of woodworking equipment. This included a new wall saw which has made it easier to take on larger projects.

TECT trustee Greg Brownless said that as a community-focused hub, the Menz Shed served its members and the wider community in a practical and positive way.

“Empowering these men through providing a safe and social environment has significant impact on their wellbeing through their retirement years. The connection between members and that to the community is having a wonderful impact and we are proud to support the shed to grow and continue to contribute.”

Visitors were welcome at The Shed at 48 Cameron Rd, Te Puke. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12pm.

To learn more about the shed and how to become a member to broaden your skills and help the community, email tepukemenzshed@gmail.com or check out its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MenzShedTePuke/