Finding friendship and connections at MenzShed Kāpiti

A Nikau Foundation grant helped MenzShed Kāpiti to furnish a much-needed new building so more people can access this popular community organisation.

“I think that gives the guys a great sense of satisfaction because they can now give back to the community in ways they might not have been able to through their work life.”

Each Tuesday and Thursday, an avant-garde ‘construction orchestra’ strikes up at MenzShed Kāpiti. To the strains of shrieking dropsaws, banging hammers and whirring drills plus a good dose of baritone banter, 50–60 members set to work on all sorts of personal and community projects.

Since it opened in 2010, MenzShed Kāpiti has become an important meeting place where (mostly) men get together and build not just things but friendships too, says Treasurer Peter Blackler.

The purpose of the MenzShed is the health and wellbeing of men in the community. It’s a place where they can gather for companionship, and it also provides workshop facilities where they can come and share their skills and learn new ones. Most of our members are retired, but some are not currently working or are regaining their skills and confidence after time out of the workplace.

“You don’t have to have a building background to join,” says Development Committee Chair Cliff Daly. “We’ve had guys come here that have never built anything before. They come along, have a cup of tea, meet some of the guys and they join in and soon learn. They get onto the machines and feel very much part of the team.

“They can do their own thing, but most work on community projects. I think that gives the guys a great sense of satisfaction because they can now give back to the community in ways they might not have been able to through their work life.”

And that contribution is impressive. Each year, MenzShed Kāpiti members rack up over 10,000 hours of combined work on a wide range of projects.

Increasing accessibility with support from Nikau Foundation

Now a Nikau Foundation grant has gone towards improving the site where all this industry happens.

The shed itself has grown significantly since MenzShed Kāpiti opened its doors, and the much-welcomed grant has gone towards furnishing a new amenities and meetings building complete with a large meeting area, AV system, small office and spacious deck. The building is fully wheelchair accessible ensuring everyone is able to access this much-needed community asset. As well as providing social space, the new building provides an area for ongoing education and learning on issues facing men’s wellbeing, how to stay safe and healthy and how to use the technology. Some members find themselves alone later in life and need assistance to develop the skills to care for themselves.

“The new building means we’ll be able to cater for more men in the community, those who can’t necessarily work in the workshop. They’ll be able to come down here and do indoor things – play chess or cards or just sit on the deck and supervise!”

More than building and banter

“While it’s somewhere you can have a good laugh, MenzShed in Kāpiti and others around the country play an important role in men’s lives at times of significant change,” says Cliff.