Powering up to meet community demand

The Tuakau MenzShed is using a new community grant to power its projects and expand its workshop to meet growing demand for people wanting to join.

With support from a $1000 grant from Pulse Energy, the MenzShed is purchasing extra batteries and chargers to ensure power tools are ready to use when needed by its growing list of members.

Stoney Burke, of Tuakau MenzShed, said it’s about bringing men together, giving each other support, and doing community projects to help prevent social isolation.

“I’m no philosopher, but women are better at getting together and doing activities in their older age and after they retire. Men are not.

“The MenzShed is about supporting men’s mental health. Most of the members have had 40 or more years doing what we’ve had to do because the boss said so, now we can do what we want to do.”

Stoney said that nationally and internationally, the demand for MenzShed membership is increasing significantly, with some sheds in New Zealand’s larger centres having waiting lists.

“Our focus at Tuakau is making more space for the chaps we have now and so we can welcome new members. We would have trouble if we were stuck in our original shed.”

Pulse Energy, which supplies electricity, gas and broadband to New Zealand homes, launched the Powering Your Community Fund in 2023 to provide financial support for projects and organisations that enhance local communities and help drive positive social impact.

“We’re proud to be community-owned, and we believe that means more than just providing power. It means showing up and supporting local groups like the Tuakau MenzShed to provide the valuable service they do in their community,” Pulse Energy chief executive Sharnie Warren said.

The Shed also partners with social agencies, including working with the Department of Corrections to help reintegrate people back into the community and hosting monthly health talks with a local health clinic.