Our progress on the new building has been at a standstill due to issues with the consenting process. However, we are working through and over the roadblocks to get it done. Hopefully this will be finalised soon. 

Several projects have been completed in the last few weeks.  

We have completed the refurbishment of several pieces of outside furniture for a local care home. There are quite a few that need some TLC but with the weather as it is (cold and wet) we have struggled to dry the items out before repair and repainting. We will pick up this project again during the summer.  

We also had a piece of Maori art to repair from one of our new members– fortunately this was able to be fixed quickly and returned to it’s pride of place back at the Marae 

A children’s ride on toy was brought in to see if we could restore the lights, bells and whistles it once had. The battery compartment was very badly corroded and needed some attention. Mike N answered the call, rewired the supply and checked the electronics. The item was returned to the happy customer in fully working order.

Peter made a pair of Weta Hotels (5* by the look of them!) for a private customer. The customer was well pleased as will the Weta’s when they move in. 

Phil K organised around a dozen of our members to give up their time recently and provide a working bee for one of our members who could not manage the upkeep of his garden. It was quite an event, with weed eaters, hoes, brushes, rakes, spades, hedge trimmers and chain saws being used. More than 400kg of garden waste was generated and ferried away with trailers and Utes. In true Menzshed fashion, a sumptuous afternoon tea was also provided. Not much work was done after that, but the bulk had fortunately already been done. 

Doug has made a “Fairy Village” for a local school who provided a picture of what they were looking for. Essentially, they needed a basic framework to further enhance by the children. Various levels were required with access to each level (see the ladders). Several fairy houses, a swing and a wishing well were made along with small inset growing areas provided for plants. Work is now complete (see below)- hopefully it will tick all their boxes! Thanks also to Eainn, Curtis and Ty for their contribution. 

We have had several Kindy’s contact us recently along with some schools and several new projects have been requested. So don’t miss out and contact us, we are always ready to listen. 

If you have a project in mind and you think we can help, then feel free to contact us for a chat and we will do our best to assist you.  

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

Don’t forget to visit our website for details on where we are and what we do. 

You can visit it here:- 

https://upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi

We are always on the lookout for new members and later this year we will have a metalworking facility. Maybe you have seen our display in the Mall which shows some of the things we do and who we do them for. If you have and would like more info, contact us for a free tour and meet the team. 

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

If you want to join us, even for just a cup of tea and a yarn, pop in to see us, you will be more than welcome. Just come along @ 10am Tue to Fri. We are open 9 – 12 Tues to Fri. You will find us at McLeod Park just past the BMX track  

A “thank you” to Upper Hutt MenzShed for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

10/08/26