Men's Sheds are one of the most successful community health interventions of the modern era — places where men come together to work on projects, learn skills, share stories, and build friendships. Born in Australia and flourishing in New Zealand, Men's Sheds reach men who are often invisible to traditional health and social services, reducing isolation and providing purpose and community. Grant funding supports the establishment, operation, and programmes of Men's Sheds across Aotearoa.
A Men's Shed is a community workshop or gathering space primarily for men — typically older men — to:
- Work on projects (woodworking, metalwork, electronics, restoration)
- Learn new skills
- Share knowledge and teach others
- Have conversations over a cup of tea (the "shed talk" phenomenon)
- Build friendships and social connections
- Contribute to community through projects
Men's Sheds address a particular gap: men — especially older men after retirement, bereavement, or illness — are highly susceptible to social isolation. Traditional community services (talking therapy, support groups) don't appeal to many men. Sheds provide social connection through activity — men connect while doing.
Scale
New Zealand has over 100 Men's Sheds — with new Sheds establishing regularly:
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other cities
- Rural and small-town Sheds (often more critical in smaller communities)
- Rapid growth since the model was introduced from Australia
New Zealand Men's Sheds Association (NZMSA)
NZMSA supports Sheds across New Zealand:
- Support for Shed establishment
- Insurance and governance guidance
- Networking and events
- Advocacy for Men's Shed funding
Gaming trusts
Gaming trusts are the primary funders of Men's Sheds in New Zealand:
- Equipment (tools, woodworking machines, welding equipment)
- Building fit-out
- Running costs (power, consumables, insurance)
- Programme delivery costs
Key gaming trust funders:
- Pub Charity
- Lion Foundation
- Four Winds Foundation
- Infinity Foundation
- Grassroots Trust
Lotteries Community
Lotteries funds community wellbeing including Men's Sheds — particularly for facility and equipment costs.
Local councils
Councils support Men's Sheds through:
- Premises provision (free or peppercorn rent on council land/buildings)
- Community grants
- In-kind support (rubbish collection, maintenance)
Rotary Clubs and Lions
Service clubs often provide establishment support — tools, equipment, and volunteer assistance.
Community foundations
Regional community foundations fund Men's Sheds — particularly those serving rural communities.
Health funders
As evidence for Men's Sheds' health benefits grows, some health funders engage:
- PHOs supporting Shed-based social prescribing
- ACC fall prevention funding (exercise and activity in Sheds)
- Cancer Society support (cancer survivorship through Sheds)
Health outcomes
Men's Sheds have strong evidence for:
- Reduced social isolation and loneliness
- Improved mental health (depression and anxiety)
- Increased physical activity (activity within the Shed)
- Sense of purpose and identity
- Peer support for health challenges (cancer, heart disease)
Volunteer community value
Men's Sheds are almost entirely volunteer-run — the community investment is enormous relative to grant cost. A typical Shed might have 30-50 members contributing hundreds of hours monthly in volunteer time.
Projects for community
Sheds often produce community goods:
- Toys and furniture for community (donated to children's charities)
- Repairs for low-income community members
- Products for fundraising
- Maintenance of community facilities
Establishment grants
New Shed establishment:
- Major equipment (saw bench, lathe, drill press, welding equipment)
- Shed fit-out (workbenches, storage, safety equipment)
- First-year running costs
- Insurance and compliance
Ongoing operations
Running costs:
- Consumables (timber, materials, workshop supplies)
- Power and utilities
- Insurance
- Coordinator or facilitator costs (some Sheds employ part-time coordinators)
Health and wellbeing programmes
Within the Shed:
- Physical activity programmes (light exercise, stretching)
- Health checks (blood pressure, diabetes screening)
- Cooking demonstrations and nutrition
- Mental health conversations
Technology and digital literacy
Helping older Shedders engage with technology:
- Computer and smartphone skills
- Online services navigation
- Video calling (connecting with family)
- 3D printing and modern tools
Community projects
Social isolation quantification
Loneliness and social isolation are significant health risks — comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Show evidence of isolation in your target community (older men after retirement, bereavement, or illness). Data on social isolation among older men is compelling.
Volunteer multiplier
Show the multiplier effect — a small grant enables enormous volunteer-driven activity. If a $5,000 grant supports 40 Shedders contributing 1,000 volunteer hours per month, the grant is leveraged many times over.
Community project outputs
Sheds that make things for community — toys for children's hospital, furniture for family refuges — have tangible, visible outputs beyond member benefit. Quantify these outputs.
Health referral pathway
Increasingly, Sheds partner with GPs and PHOs for social prescribing — men are referred to the Shed as part of their health management. Show this health system connection if it exists.
Men otherwise unreachable
Men's Sheds reach men who would not engage with traditional health or social services. Emphasise this reach — your Shed provides access to a population that funders otherwise cannot reach through conventional programmes.
Tahua's grants management platform supports men's health funders and community wellbeing organisations — with programme participant tracking, health and wellbeing outcome measurement, community project data, and the tools that help Men's Shed funders demonstrate the remarkable return on investment of supporting New Zealand's Shed community.