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Shed organisers hit nail on the head with new location

 

 

thumbnail 12 MF-Shedmove1 copy-383JULIA WADE

Members of a Mangawhai club wielding a whole lot of creative talent, as well as community spirit in their toolbelts, are looking to frame-up on a public plot to become more central to locals.

Mangawhai Shed Incorporated (MSI) recently presented a proposal to the Mangawhai Domain committee to relocate the club from their current shed on Cames Road, to a new workspace on the Domain grounds.

As the decision lies with the Domain society members to be voted on at the September AGM, MSI founder and chair Stephen Mackay, along with nearly 60 Shed members, now have to endure a waiting period until early spring for a yay or nay. While admitting they are not ‘home and dry’, the former design-tech teacher says he is allowing himself to be a bit excited.

“I like to think there will be enough positive public support within the Domain society,” he says. “Potentially what we’re offering is something really extraordinary for the community. Given the kind of feedback we’re getting from people from around the area, including from shoppers at the Museum’s Sunday markets, we’re getting a stir in the community which is quite exciting.”

Three step plan
An initial draft illustrating the Shed men’s vision for the future, shows a three-step plan for the new workshop to be commenced over several years. Starting with a 9m x 9m shed for mainly woodwork, a canopy extension will be added in the second year for outdoor work, and depending on funds, the ‘crowning glory’, a second shed will be built ‘after five to ten years’ for welding and metalwork.

“We could get room in there for glass and pottery too, we would do anything that offers the broadest range of craft activities for members to get involved in, that’s the intention.”

As moving a shed onto the Domain’s grounds is a major change, the Shed team will have the opportunity to make a short presentation before MDS members decide via a vote at the coming AGM, MDS chair Robert de Koning says. However the committee is positive about The Shed’s possible relocation and have agreed in principle where the new workspace will be located.

“Shed members will be way better off at the Domain as they will be in the Village area with easy access for themselves and parents dropping off and collecting younger members,” he says. “We also understand they might do some joint tech programme with Mangawhai Beach School, which is in walking distance.”

If accepted by Domain members, The Shed will enter a long term lease agreement and manage/operate their own building similar to the tennis club.

“We are hopeful MDS members will welcome the new recreation group onto the grounds… they are a great group, the ‘shed’ formula works well worldwide.

Offers of help
Once a decision is known, Mackay says they will be stepping onto the ‘treadmill of fundraising’, applying for grants from assorted funders including Mangawhai Endowment Lands Account, as well as continuing to sell their craft, such as bird feeders, at Mangawhai Museum’s market. Offers of pro-bono work from businesses and professionals to help get the new community workspace underway has astounded Mackay, especially with the ongoing financial effects of Covid.

“So many people just said ‘yeah we can do that’, and if you add it all up these offers are probably worth over $15k... and we love and thank them all for it!” he says. “We understand this is a difficult time for many due to lockdown, however people have recognised the beauty of having a facility which allows us to keep expanding on all the things we have been doing in the community… it’s nice to be recognised and acknowledged in that way.”

Numerous projects
Since launching in November 2017, the Shed’s tools have been productive with numerous community and conservation projects including designing and creating a Christmas float for Mangawhai Beach School, a ‘log’ Christmas tree sculpture for Mangawhai Museum’s Bows ‘n Bells fundraising event, repaired furniture donated to charity Mangawhai Helping Hands for gifting-on, made new signage for Kaipara District Council (KDC), produced bait stations for Marunui Conservation, and last year won a contract with Northland Regional Council to design and construct live cat-traps to help save birds in the Brynderwyn Ranges.

Along with support from local advocacy organisation Te Whai Community Trust and KDC, the Shed was also awarded a Mangawhai Community Opportunity Factory grant recently to purchase a shipping container to store ‘a plethora of stuff’ – donated materials and tools including an old sewing machine and pool table. All going well with the Domain, Mackay says the container will be situated on site while the shed is being built.

“It will allow us to be a physical presence within the space,” he says. “And will serve as a physical reminder to people that hopefully something exciting is coming.”

Generous supporters of The Mangawhai Shed include Hemi Meagher (electrical supply connection MEC Electrical Ltd); Matt Wiley (geotechnical survey with Pacific Coast Surveys Ltd); Adam Booth (site plan and site survey with Pacific Coast Surveys Ltd); Corinne Smith (financial services at Altitude Advisors); Viranda (earthworks and cash donation).

n Interested in knowing more, joining the Shed or donating? Visit mangawhaished.org or Mangawhai Shed Facebook page.

 

Cautiously excited on the prospect of relocating to the Domain, Mangawhai Shed chair Steve Mackay marks out the ideal spot for the new workshop.

“The Shed is about sharing skills and knowledge, contributing to meaningful community projects, friendship and having some fun.”

Steve Mackay


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