New Plymouth MenzShed helps to build relationships

A New Plymouth workshop is helping older men, and a handful of women, tackle loneliness and mental health challenges - one project at a time.

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The MenzShed in Strandon offers a space for retirees to connect, build, and talk, with woodworking as the shared activity that brings them together.

Coordinator Phil Taylor says the shed provides a work-like environment where anyone can feel valued and productive after retirement.

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Above: MenzShed Coordinator Phil Taylor works in the workshop.

Many members arrive after losing touch with friends and colleagues, and the shed helps rebuild those social connections through shared projects and informal camaraderie.

Conversations about health, grief and personal struggles often happen organically while members work side-by-side on projects.

Taylor says that’s part of the shed’s quiet strength.

“It’s not about sitting down for a deep and meaningful,” he says.

“It’s about doing something with your hands, and letting the conversation come when it needs to.”

The shed is open five days a week and offers woodworking tools and guidance for personal and community projects.

Members can make anything from chopping boards to cabinets, and many learn new skills or refine old ones.

Some join after moving to New Zealand or retiring from highly social jobs, and find the shed helps them connect with others.

Peter Widdicombe, who moved from the UK, says the shed helped him settle into life in New Zealand.

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Above: Peter Widdicombe.

“You meet lovely people, learn good skills, and feel part of the community,” he says.

Another member, Bertie Burleigh, joined after retiring from a long career in hospitality.

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Above: Bertie Burleigh shows off a piece created in the workshop.

“I realised there weren’t a lot of people coming to see me anymore,” he says.

“So I decided to do something I’d enjoy - and I found people here who enjoy my company too.”

The shed also supports the wider community by building rat traps for a local conservation group.

They’ve also made wooden blocks for a children’s charity and kiwi relocation boxes for environmental organisations.

Taylor says members take pride in knowing their work benefits others.

“When we get feedback, I always let our members know,” he says.

“They know those kids are going to be lining up to play on the diggers we made - it’s awesome.”

The shed is a registered not-for-profit and relies on donations and grants to operate.

“We run on donations and grants from various organisations,” Taylor says.

“It keeps the lights on, the sandpaper going, the glue flowing.”

He says the shed also does small fundraising efforts like sausage sizzles, but grants are essential.

One recent donor was the ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation, which gave $6830 for a wet stone grinder and a new band saw.

Taylor says the new equipment will improve safety and reduce ongoing costs.

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Above: From left, Phil Taylor, Peter Widdicombe, Bertie Burleigh and Sarah Wright.

The shed is now at capacity most days and is seeking a larger, purpose-built facility to accommodate growing demand.

“We’ve gone from two days a week to five,” Taylor says.

“We want to reach more people and do more for the community.”

The shed welcomes people from all backgrounds, including younger members and women.

The youngest active member is 23 and attends regularly despite not being able to work due to childhood health issues.

“He gets a sense of workplace camaraderie here,” Taylor says.

“He’s really part of the team.”

Taylor says the shed fosters friendships that extend beyond its walls.

“Someone might be building a shed at their place and the guys will team up and help,” he says.

“They swap stories about the best place to go camping - it’s great to see.”

He says new members are often taken under the wing of more experienced ones.

“There’s a real sense of ‘I’ve been there - and you’re welcome to join us’.”

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Above: From left, Phil Taylor, Peter Widdicombe, Sarah Wright and Bertie Burleigh have a yarn in the workshop.

Taylor has seen firsthand how the shed can change lives.

One member, referred by a local mental health organisation, arrived withdrawn and unsure of himself.

Over time, he began learning new skills, asking questions, and eventually setting up his own workshop at home.

“He went from being dropped off by his wife to riding in on his bike and greeting everyone with a big ‘g’day’,” Taylor says.

“He found his confidence again.”

The shed’s approach to mental health is informal but effective.

Rather than structured support sessions, it offers a space where they can talk when they’re ready—often while sanding timber or assembling a project.

Taylor says that’s especially important for the older demographic the shed serves.

“They don’t want to sit in a circle and talk about their feelings,” he says.

“But they’ll talk while they’re working—and that’s enough.”