Hamilton Community Men's Shed - NZ

07/11/2025

John - I am sharing this excerpt from another post because I think the story of this sculpture is worth sharing.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀 by The Accidental Artist

Recycled Materials
700 mm H x 200 mm W x 600 mm D
Original artwork, Freestanding

One of the beautiful pieces in our current exhibition 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 and paired with a beautiful personal write up from the artist. (Shared with permission)

This sculpture is a saxophone, but it doesn’t play a note. It wasn’t made to. It’s made from the offcuts of a life spent building, repairing, and keeping things running on the land, in sheds, in seasons that don’t pause for illness or regret.

These days, I carry more than my age; I have many health challenges, the kind of quiet battles many men don’t talk about until it’s too late. This piece is part of my way of breaking that silence.
Music has always moved me. It speaks where words fall short. But I never learned to play. There was always something more “practical” to do. This saxophone is a symbol of that dream I let rust in the background.

Welded from what was once discarded. It doesn’t make music, but it tells a story: about regret, resilience, and the value in opening up even if it’s late in the game. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to create, to feel, to speak. And that health isn’t just the body it’s the soul, too - 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹

30/10/2025

Another typical Wednesday at the shed. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Movember begins this weekend when men’s health is a focus. Note in these photos the variety of projects undertaken by members.

22/10/2025

Wednesday morning is all go. The shed is a place which exists to support Mens health and well being and next month ‘Movember’ will encourage all men to get those vital health checks. Catch it before it is too late!
The new area for paint, fixing a chalk line marker, miniature creatures and a Niuen outrigger canoe, now that’s variety.

22/10/2025

As mentioned at the AGM. John

Opening soon!

𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 - A Group Exhibition in Support of Men’s Health

This November, a unique showcase of male artistry will take centre stage at The Mandarin Tree. Exploring masculinity, vulnerability, strength and identity through bold, personal works.

In support of Movember and Men’s Health, this powerful exhibition challenges stereotypes and celebrates real stories. Art that speaks. Voices that matter.

We are very excited about this upcoming exhibition and we will share more details soon.

Mark your calendar for 1 November 3 pm at The Mandarin Tree 🌳

16/10/2025

Another busy morning with some new faces.
Out the back new shelving for paint were being fitted while some were set up outside using the fibreglass panels. Inside a wide variety of projects were underway.

08/10/2025

A large number of members in on Wednesday including some new ones. Welcome guys. Projects spotted include a 21st key, a rocking horse, Ron the robot toy and Jeff creating a wall from fibre glass panels.

17/09/2025

At the shed this morning.
Bed head and upholstered box by Keith, a cabinet by Clive, and two sculptural pieces by John.
Also welcome to three new members. Good to see you guys getting into your projects.

08/09/2025

Written by Philip, Secretary Te Puke Menshed.

What the Shed means to us
There’s a quiet shift that happens as we age.
Tasks that once came easily now take more effort.
The mind still races with ideas, but the body doesn’t always keep pace.
For many of us, that change brings frustration, even grief. We’ve spent a lifetime being independent—fixing things, building things, helping others.
Asking for help doesn’t come naturally.
That’s where the Shed steps in.
Not just as a place to work with timber and tools, but as a space to reconnect with purpose, camaraderie, and dignity.
One member said recently, “I wouldn’t know how to pass the time of day if it weren’t for the Shed.” That sentiment echoes through our community.
The Shed offers more than a distraction—it’s a lifeline. A place where the hard realities of ageing, depression, and loneliness are met not with silence, but with shared stories, laughter, and the steady rhythm of hands at work.
We don’t always talk about the tough stuff.
But we feel it, and in the Shed, we find ways to carry it together.
Whether it’s helping a mate lift something heavy, sharing a cuppa, or simply showing up—these small acts remind us that we’re not alone.
The Shed is not just about what we build. It’s about what we rebuild in ourselves and each other. Confidence. Connection. Meaning.
So if you’re finding it a battle some days, know this: you’re not the only one, and you’re always welcome here

03/09/2025

A crowd in today. The stonework table has been cleared of all the clutter so is available to anyone who wants to try some sculpting. There are several pieces of stone under the table to chose from.
Just keep it simple. Saw, rasp, chisel and go.

13/08/2025

Worth a view.

13/08/2025

Today a large clear out of surplus timber began providing better access to our undercover work areas. I think our mystery member, Murphy, might have been listening in because I’m sure this tidy space won’t last too long.
The photos show the well organised main workspace, a Manuka tiki, a wooden art piece, a table under restoration and a dolls pram renovation.
New members welcome.

31/07/2025

Spotted at the shed on Wednesday morning.
The roofers finishing off the roof replacement for all the Ward Park Arts Centre, an electrician putting a new power connection into the shed and several members working on their projects.
At the table saw, making stools from recycled campervan cladding and a wooden pendent for a grandchild.