If you've stopped to admire one of the sturdy timber seats dotted around the district, there's a good chance it began life in the Motueka MenzShed.
The latest additions sit at Woodlands Care Centre and Village, pictured here with two familiar local faces – Brian Dunnill, who turns 90 in September, and Ken Treanor, 91, who worked together at the local college among other prior occupations. Former cabinet maker Brian remains a Life Member of the MenzShed and still enjoys a drop in.
The seats are one of many community projects completed by the non-profit group. They are built from locally sourced timber, some donated and some purchased, and proceeds from their sale helps cover costs, fund future projects, and run the MenzShed itself.
MenzShed offers a place where men work shoulder to shoulder, share skills and conversation, and contribute to their community at their own pace. Its members come from all walks of life, including retired tradesmen, farmers, toymakers, former tourism workers and students who thrive through practical learning.
The ‘wisdom seats’ scattered around Woodlands and the district reflect the values of the people who built them: craftsmanship, generosity and the quiet strength of community
