Women's Shed Rotorua finds permanent home at Linton Park Community Centre

A Women's Shed has been established in Rotorua, after more than a year-long search for permanent premises.

The female equivalent of the Rotorua Community Menz Shed is now nestled among the Linton Park Community Centre buildings at the end of Kamahi Place.

Initially, the Women's Shed Rotorua group would tag along at the Menz Shed.

It then had a temporary space in Ngongotaha, before finally finding a lasting home in a double garage beside Linton Park.

Organiser Jocelyn Jacobs said the Women's Shed had about 12 regular members.

"We are about encouraging women into DIY and giving them confidence with power tools.

"Some are looking to save money or time, some just want some new projects, for some, it's due to situations at home, some have lost their husbands or their partners are too busy to do these jobs, so they all want to learn."

This week the group had its first session transforming its new space, and organising quotes for wooden pohutukawa Christmas trees and giant Connect Four games sought by the public.

Instructor Noel Hahn, a self-described "engineer who enjoys doing woodwork", is teaching the women what they want to learn.

Jocelyn Jacobs (left) and June Easton in their new shed at Linton Park. Photo/Ben Fraser

His focus at the moment is helping them gather the necessary tools and materials for their new home.

"They need a whole lot. Saws, buzzers and planers for a start."

June Easton was one of the first Women's Shed members.

When she found out machines were involved she said: "Oh I'm in, I want to learn."

Easton has since made everything from a stool to a chest box and has taken on the health and safety responsibilities.

"We are hoping to reach out to new ladies instead of relying on 'Mr Gonna Do It'. Women, we want things done yesterday you know."

The group has applied for funding from Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust for some equipment, but was also open to donations.

Members were also writing letters to businesses asking for scrap wood.

The Women's Shed Rotorua is supported by ToolShed Rotorua and Linton Community Trust.