Menz Shed disappointed

At the April meeting of Ōmokoroa Community Board, it had been recommended that the Menz Shed’s application for use of the old pavilion be turned down.

Naturally, the members of Menz Shed were very disappointed in this decision as they had put a major effort into the Expression of Interest, had evidence of strong support within the Ōmokoroa community, and were the only organisation which had put forward an expression of interest. Even the Board members expressed support for the concept of the Menz Shed but were not interested in seeing it find a valid base in what is now a disused building – a building that was funded by locals and bought by the Council for $1.

The club members were most disappointed that the Board had not consulted with them and consequently, its report was full of assumptions and errors.

They are also convinced that some Board members are determined that the club should not have the building. This was evidenced by the direction of some of the questions they asked.

The Community Board meeting was attended by so many supporters, including many women, that more chairs were needed and some people still had to stand.

Four people asked to speak in favour of the proposal with one of the speakers receiving a strong round of applause from those attending for her passionate plea in support of the members having a place to gather and contribute to the community.

The Menz Shed members emphasised that while it was a place for mainly retirees to meet and to help each other with individual projects and learning, it was also a centre for overcoming the feelings of isolation that many men have after leaving the workforce. It would be a hub for men to experience joy in achieving projects for themselves and the community as well as training others – women and teenagers were identified – in a range of trades and machinery.

Following the submissions, the Community Board agreed to delay forwarding its recommendation to the Council and to meet with Menz Shed members face-to-face to discuss issues so that agreement could be reached which would benefit the whole community.

Menz Shed Ōmokoroa is eagerly waiting for this to take place.