Finalist - The Shed Project Kāpiti

In 1999, Denis Wood, the founder, had limited knowledge about the lives of individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities and the support they required. His journey began when he and his wife welcomed a 6-year-old girl with special needs into their home through foster care. This experience opened his eyes to the potential and resilience of those with disabilities.

By 2013, while deeply involved in supporting this young woman’s transition, our founder became disillusioned with the quality of services available to young disabled individuals. He noticed a lack of programs and support for young males in particular. Determined to make a difference, he started the original ‘Shed Project’ in Kāpiti Rd in 2014, initially working with young males one day a week with just one volunteer.

The initiative’s funding was primarily derived from selling second-hand goods and refurbished furniture on Trade Me. The project expanded its reach, employing individuals from the disability sector and creating wooden items from recycled timber. In 2014, The Shed Project won its first award as the “Rising Star Winner“in the Wellington Airport Awards.

Fast forward to 2023, and The Shed Project Kāpiti has blossomed, serving over 270 individuals from various sectors, including the intellectual, mental health sectors, disadvantaged youth, homeschool programs, and kids programs. The Shed employs 13 staff, and the business and social services are supported by 7 volunteers.

The Shed Project Kāpiti is a limited company with charitable status and has an advisory committee of four dedicated individuals guiding its future. The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainability and continued service, with a focus on employing more people from the sector. With the commitment of the advisory committee, The Shed Project is poised to empower even more lives in the future. The social services are made possible through its business activities.