First Conference for Men's Sheds

Wairarapa REAP hosted the first New Zealand Menz Shed conference Let the Shedding Begin in April.Around 30 delegates from emerging and developing Men’s Sheds around the nation took part, with workshops that included covering management and governance issues, safety and OSH, developing community projects and supporting health and well being.“It was a great success,” said Henley Men’s Shed Co-ordinator John Bush. “A smaller number of delegates made it such a warm gathering with people more open and engaged.”The conference highlighted particular issues for this emerging movement — governance is often an issue, with some sheds starting up activities before firming up management and organisation.“There is a tremendous diversity within the movement, reflecting the diversity of those involved,” added John, “but we now have plans to move forward as a group of Men’s Sheds, working together and supporting each other.”