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.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.3% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
Food and product recalls
These items have been recalled during the last month. If you have any of these items at home, click on the title to see the details:
Product recalls
Avanti, Malvern Star & Raleigh bicycles
Yoto Kids Speaker
Anko Kids Pyjamas
Battery drill chainsaw attachment
Industrial pedestal misting fan
Yamaha adaptor
Zero Tower safety harness
Naturacoco moisturising cream
Thule child bike seat
Food recalls:
Maketū pies mussel pie
The Catering Studio cottage pie
Matakana Smokehouse gravlax/salmon
Our Fruit Box fruit juices
ProLife Foods value packs - nuts, raisins.
YY Dumplings & Fu Yuan ready-to-eat meat products
Waiheke Herbs italian herb spread
We hope this message was helpful in keeping your household safe.