Menzshed Hawera
South Taranaki’s first Mens Shed proposed
A meeting last Saturday afternoon in the Hawera Club attracted thirty members of the public, interested in establishing a Mens Shed in the town.
Welcomed by Geoff Coubrough who, along with Peter Gulliver, has been exploring the possibilities of creating a shed in Hawera. After a period of researching the concept and visiting the Whanganui and New Plymouth sheds they had concluded the time was right to convene a meeting of interested parties to try and get a shed up and running.
Mr Coubrough, then introduced Murray Campbell, a member of the Henley Mens Shed in Masterton, to explain the background of the movement and how Mens Sheds operated. Mr Campbell opened his address by showing a video, filmed in his shed, promoting the benefits such a shed generated to not only its members, but the wider community.
He then went on to explain how, in the mid nineties in rural Australia it was realised that men over the age of 65 were committing suicide at an alarming rate. Research showed that these men, following retirement, became isolated, lonely, depressed and ultimately suicidal. They had a mental health problem. The idea was born that if a building with tools in it was made available, men came, and by working together, created new friendships, passed on and learned new skills and generally enjoyed the camaraderie which improved their health and well being.
Since then the phenomenon has spread worldwide with around 130 sheds operating in New Zealand. Murray described some of the challenges which presented themselves each day, from broken chairs to kindergartens requiring toys and equipment to be made or repaired and requests from individuals and organisations for assistance. Mens sheds are busy places.
The meeting finally elected a steering committee, headed by Geoff Coubrough, to form a Mens shed and seek a suitable building to base it in.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Needing a Skip Bin Recommendations
Good Folk can any of you Recommend a Skip Bin Company who do not cost an arm and leg please?
Who have you used from experience and are a good price?
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