Fourth Menz Shed to start in Wairarapa

Menz Sheds are part of a not-for-profit organisation designed to promote the well-being of retired and older people based around tools, craftsmanship and projects. Photo / File

A Martinborough Menz Shed is going ahead, and its first "working bee" is happening this Saturday.

Mike Woolley, Derek Wilson and Ric Geisler are the driving forces behind introducing a fourth Menz Shed to Wairarapa and organised a meeting last month to gauge public interest. The response was positive.

Mr Geisler said that of the 55 people who attended the meeting about 45 men had signed up and each paid a $20 donation "that will go towards starting the shed up".

Masterton's Henley Menz Shed co-ordinator John Bush was invited to speak at the meeting about the philosophy behind Menz Sheds and how they had come about.

Mr Geisler said an inaugural committee had been formed "to take it to the next stage".

The committee would set up the rules for the shed, work with the local council to find a suitable location, file necessary papers and apply for incorporated society status.

While the location of the Menz Shed was still unknown, the South Wairarapa District Council had offered a storage facility to use in the meantime.

"At the moment we're discussing with council about a particular spot and we'll know a bit more about that in a week or two hopefully."

At Saturday's working bee, members will "work on the storage facility".

The facility would be used to store tools and materials that were donated.

"So we're going to fix that up this weekend and put things in there and lock it up - that's our first activity."

Mr Geisler said he, Mr Woolley and Mr Wilson had initially been worried that the idea of a Martinborough Menz Shed would be unpopular.

"But as we put the word out, we got so much support we realised we had better move up a gear and live up to it, which we hope to."

Menz Sheds are part of a not-for-profit organisation designed to promote the well-being of retired and older people based around tools, craftsmanship and projects.