Blog

The Wanaka Community Workshop is fortunate to be part of a supportive community.

ITM is a significant supplier to the building sector across the Upper Clutha. ITM also supports community initiatives across Wanaka and the Upper Clutha. The Wanaka Community Workshop is one of these initiatives.

We very much appreciate the support ITM provides to us.

This week the Workshop hosted the team from ITM for morning tea. It was a chance to meet the volunteers and see for themselves how their makes a difference.

Increasingly folk bring stuff to the Wanaka Community Workshop to be repaired. Most items are bought along for periodic “Repair Revolutions” undertaken by Wastebusters and hosted at the Workshop.

The MenShed team also responds to a regular stream of items brought in for some care and attention.

The latest is Alan’s dining chair which suffered during a recent shift.

We enjoy returning items to use. Certainly beats buying new stuff to replace it.

Kids love learning.

The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop are currently fabricating a range of play equipment for a newly established pre-school in Wanaka. The “Action Board” brings together some common items found around any house that kids can learn how to use.

Simple and effective.

We love creating practical stuff that kids can use.

From time to time the MenShed group at the Wanaka Community Workshop need to turn their attention to the Workshop itself. As a shared workspace its not always tidy, clean and well connected.

The old idea of “a place for everything” and “everything in its place” is relevant.

In response we are replacing some of our shelving units – more capacity but also more places for stuff!

Its that time of year – Crown Range closed by snow and the white stuff on the hills above town. Must be mid year Christmas time!

The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop left tools on the workbench and gathered for some great kai.

Unwilling to brave the cold, we gathered in the textile workshop.

Wellbeing is a important focus for the Wanaka Community Workshop and the mid year Christmas get together is a key part of our calender.

The food was great as well !

The MenShed team meet at the Wanaka Community Workshop every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9am to midday. We spent our time fabricating a variety of projects for community and environmental groups, schools as as small local businesses.

During these times we also welcome volunteers who are visiting Wanaka. They walk in and we get them onto a project suitable for their skills and experience. We appreciate their time and also their stories about their time overseas and around New Zealand.

Many of our visitors to Wanaka and the Upper Clutha want to contribute to our community and to our natural environment. We are fortunate to be able to host them.

Every so often the MenShed team take time out from the Workshop.

Recently we toured Earnscleugh Castle.

The Castle is a station homestead located near Clyde. Its recent restoration featured on the television series Grand Designs.

We were hugely impressed with the extent of the work involved and the quality of the result. It is outstanding. The tour was great to – Earnscleugh Castle is well worth a visit.

Our day also took in a visit (and tastings) at Tannacrieff – a producer of the most excellent port. Located at Bannockburn, Tannacrieff is a joy to visit. The skill and enthusiasm of Debra, owner, wine and port maker, is a great experience.

After making a few investments we headed home.

Between our visits to Earnscleugh Castle and Tannacrieff we managed stops at the excellent museum in Alexandra and a great coffee at the old Post Office Clyde.

A good day!

This week the MenShed team made progressed the fabrication of a few wheelbarrows. Small wheelbarrows, play wheelbarrows for kids at pre school.

We had some help as well!

We welcome volunteers who walk in during our morning sessions each Tuesday and Thursday. It is always great to have new people and we love their stories as we share a cuppa!

A while back some low life destroyed the dog watering station atop Mount Iron.

The station was a simple idea – plastic bottle atop a small wooden stand and a bowl. Dog owners and runners poured any extra water they carried to the top which the dogs greatly appreciated.

The MenShed team were sorry to hear about the destruction so have decided to do something. In response the first two stations are well on their way and others will follow. We shall drop them off at areas popular with dog walkers.

The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop is well advanced on the repair of a loved dinning chair.

Part of a set that has been used by generations of family members its great to see it return to use.

Recently the MenShed volunteers has been working with the team at Southern Sanctuary to undertake the refurbishment of Grebe nesting platforms. In Spring and Summer the platforms are moored in waters near the Wanaka Marina.

With most platforms upgraded and maintained the team is now working on some new ideas. We are keen to remove or substantially reduce plastics which are currently placed beneath the platforms to keep them afloat.

Over the next few weeks we shall test a range of options. The first “light” version was in the water recently – things did not go well!

Testing and failing quickly is good. The revised version will be in the water shortly.

Working together Wanaka Primary School PTA and Friends of Mount Aspiring College are soon to host a fund raiser – a Ceilidh.

Pronounced kay-lee, a ceilidh is a traditional Scottish (or Irish) social gathering featuring folk music, dancing and storytelling.

Some revelry. Should be great!

The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop are making a contribution. Its a direction sign, it includes some place names you know, others you don’t.

We love working with community groups across the Upper Clutha. We also enjoy creating something a bit unusual.

MINT is a local community organisation. It offers a range of transformative programmes that foster belonging, self-discovery, and skill acquisition for those 12 years and up with an intellectual disability.

The Wanaka Community Workshop has over the years worked with MINT in a variety of ways.

Recently MINT moved into their new facility in Wanaka. They were looking for shelving units.

We were delighted to help out. Using recycled materials the first unit is now installed.

Almost done!

Our 2026 program to refurbish the floating nesting platforms used by Grebe’s along the foreshore of Roy’s Bay is largely complete.

The next stage is to trial some variation to the basic design.

In particular we are keen to maintain bouyancy yet eliminate the risk of “blow over” or capsize all while not using plastic.

In this regard we shall trial a few new designs first over winter then through the next breeding season. If we find one that works well we shall convert our existing platforms.

Community Environmental and Sporting groups across the Upper Clutha rely upon funding raised locally.

Raffles are often a key part of their fund raising.

In response the MenShed volunteers at the Wanaka Community Workshop have designed and crafted a couple of raffle wheels. They will be available for groups in our region.

Abbeyfield is an agency seeking to provide affordable housing in our community for older people.

As rents skyrocket and the available stock of long-term rental properties shrinks, local retirees are faced with tough choices, such as having to leave the region.

In response a group of local residents has come together with a solution: an Abbeyfield House in Wānaka.

The house would be similar to other Abbeyfield houses elsewhere in New Zealand, offering independent living in a warm, supportive environment.

This week the MenShed team completed a small contribution to aid Abbeyfield in raising funds – a raffle drum. The drum will be used for raffles across a host of local events.

Down the track the Wanaka Community Workshop may be in a position to help practically with elements of the house itself.

Over recent weeks a couple of our MenShed volunteers have been working on a the design and crafting of a coffin. This week construction was completed – just some some decoration left to do.

While not the subject of everyday conversation, most of us will utilise one in the end. Indeed we already have an order for a second one.

I am sure a few folk took a second look when the coffin was being transported hom!

Some may call a few of our MenShed team ancient. From time to time we get to work on items just as venerable.

We are refurbishing a toy race car and caravan. Built in Millers Flat in the early 1950’s, maybe before, they are replendent in red.

Home grown, they were created by a Dad for his young son.

Built from apple box’s they are now intended for a great grand son.

A family icon passed down the generations.

Recently the MenShed volunteers completed a couple of outdoor chairs crafted from wood previously used for wine barrels.

Some wood was left over and this week it was upcycled.

It was used to create a fruit dish.

With lots of curves the wood was tricky to work with. Fortunately one of our team members had spent time building barrels in the past. The novice who was working on the project really appreciated the advice.

The MenShed volunteers have been busy of late – so busy that the workshop was becoming crowded with projects.

As a result its great to see projects out the door. This week a pair of bar leaners were delivered to the Wanaka Yacht Club.

We love keeping busy. If your community group are thinking about a project, get in touch we are keen to help.

Across the Upper Clutha Predator Free Wanaka leads our community in its efforts to crate a safe habitat for endangered species. Part of their role is teaching members of community groups how to safely manage traps.

This week volunteers from our MenShed group delivered a new training aid to Preditor Free Wanaka – just in time for their latest training session.

Essentially a typical trap except the box has a perspex side and lid to enable trainees to see how to bait and set the trap.

We love working with community groups who make a difference in our community. Lets hope the birds feel the benefits as well!

Wanaka is known for Grebes. During spring and summer the endangered and engaging water birds can be spotted along our lakeshore.

Key to the breeding success of our Grebes is the provision of safe floating nesting platforms.

Over the months they are in the water, the platforms get knocked about. The MenShed volunteers at the Wanaka Community Workshop are proud to be able to help. Our role is to refurbish and renew the platforms over winter ready for the new season.

Every year there is always room for improvement to the platforms given the lessons of the past season. We trial means to keep the platforms more stable and sheltered from winds.

Its a great project.

The Templeton Orchard is a community initiative located at the end of Wicklow Terrace Albertown. Volunteers prepare and maintain a variety of fruit trees and produce is provided to those in our community who need it.

The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop have over recent weeks been crafting a variety of items to support the orchard and its volunteers.

We have previously provided a large tool box.

Recently we delivered a picnic table for the volunteers, a produce stand to display available fruit together with a couple of bird box’s.

This week the Wanaka Community Workshop hosted the Aspiring Wanderers Club.

The Club is made up of people living with dementia who love to contribute to their community. During the visit our Volunteers appreciated the opportunity to talk through what we do and what we are working on.

The Wanaka Community Workshop is for all in our community. We enjoy hosting groups who want to know what’s going on.

We are very fortunate to be part of a strong community where people support each other.

The volunteers at the Wanaka Community Workshop are part of this community. We hope the gift of our time and effort supports others. However we also benefit from others who support us.

This week this support was in the form of a donation of building materials and tools.

In addition we received a dust extraction unit – its the one without the dust on it!

Its great to receive these items and we shall put them to use in ways they benefit our wider community.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary is an agency that unites conservation groups, community and business in a mission to restore biodiversity across the Queenstown Lakes District.

Over recent years the MenShed volunteers at the Wanaka Community Workshop have built hundreds of traps for groups that are part of Southern Lakes Sanctuary.

While work in the field is key, education is also an important role for Southern Lakes Sanctuary.

With this in mind we have designed and are now crafting a “see through” trap which can be used to train folk in the use of traps. Proper training is key to ensuring fingers and hands remain safe and sound.

Every so often our MenShed volunteers get out.

After a brief boat trip from Wanaka they reached West Wanaka station.

They bought with them three picnic tables.

A couple were dropped off near the lakeshore. The third required lifting up to a spot which enjoys great views. We had designed the table as a “flat pack”. The easy to handle components were soon being assembled.

While we enjoy our time at the Workshop, its great to get out and do something different. Visitors to West Wanaka will find it a fantastic part of our neighborhood. They will love the views as they enjoy their picnic spot.

Raffle’s are a core means by which many community groups raise funds. “Quick fire” raffles are often key elements on events organised by community groups.

A key requirement for “quick fire raffles” is a spinning raffle wheel.

The MenShed team are currently crafting a couple of raffle wheels which will be made available to community groups across the Upper Clutha. They look great and will enable community groups to raise funds to support their activities.

A win all round

Kids love horses.

While not the hoofed variety the MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop are currently building a few “hobby horses”.

Four of the toys will soon be delivered to the Hawea Flat pre-school. Perhaps the kids have in mind participating in next years Lake Hawea Community Raceday.

Our team has responded to a request from the Wanaka Yacht Club for a couple of “bar leaners”. Crafted from recycled material following a design created by the team.

They look great and will no doubt provide great support for glasses bottles and the odd sailor.

Picnic Table’s are hot. The MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop have recently completed a further five tables.

Each table has been built from recycled timber donated by firms in our local construction sector.

The table’s will soon be distributed to a range of community groups and commercial firms across the Upper Clutha. They will be used by tourists, staff, the public as well as members of local community groups.

Folk access the Workshop for all sorts of projects. Most are home improvements or something for the kids.

Gerald however is crafting an item just for him – his coffin.

It’s practical, cost effective and better for the natural environment than commercial alternatives.

It is also a project that gets people talking!

Our MenShed volunteers have commenced building a stand for the display of produce from the Templeton Community Orchard at Albertown.

The stand will be utilised to enable members of the community to easily access fruit from the orchard.

In addition to the produce stand we are advancing a number of other projects for the Templeton Community Orchard. These include:

(1) A large box to store tools outdoors.

(2) A picnic table.

(3) Some bird houses.

The Templeton Community Orchard is a great local project and we are delighted to support their activities.

Corn Hole must be the most popular garden game in Wanaka.

Over recent years the MenShed Volunteers have built dozen’s of game boards. They have ended up with households, schools, firms and community groups across the Upper Clutha.

We currently have a new batch in production.

Each is built from recycled materials donated by manufacturing firms and the construction sector.

Last year the MenShed volunteers completed three “Beach Toy Libraries”. A couple are located along the Wanaka lakeshore while the third is located on the Hawea lakeshore.

They have proved popular with kids.

Mum’s and Dad’s have donated various beach toys to each library.

Currently we are working on wooden chairs to add to the collection.

Designed for kids the little chairs are crafted to be tough – its a demanding job being a play item outdoors on the beach.

This year’s Wanaka A&P Show was a show case for the Wanaka Community Workshop. We had a host of items crafted by the MenShed volunteers utilised by a range agencies.

In addition to the Giant Chair at the Plunket Playground we also had:

(1) A “flat packed” wooden structure hosting a “sandpit” also part of the Playground.

(2) Three Corn Hole game boards utilised by a number of displays.

(3) Eight pallet benches used by the primary industry innovation centre – see photo.

(4) Eight sandwich sign boards.

(5) Two racks for re-usable cups utilised by cafe’s.

All these items were crafted using upcycled materials.

Its great to contribute to a wonderful community event such as the Wanaka A&P Show

A while back the MenShed team built a giant chair. It was subsequently delivered to The Camp on the shores of Lake Hawea.

We then had an idea.

Would it not be great to display the chair at the Wanaka A and P Show ?

We resolved that yes, it would indeed be great.

A few phone calls later and we had the approval of management both at The Camp and the A and P Society.

We picked up the chair and using a pretty small trailer soon had it back in Wanaka. We certainly turned a few heads as we drove in.

Its great to see folk enjoy the chair – its nice to have a bit of fun!

While summer seems to be winding down the MenShed team are busy with a range of picnic tables.

A couple of tables suitable for 4 people and three more each able to seat 8 people.

We use recycled timber previously used as scaffolding. The planks are strong and durable as well as having that “organic” look. Altogether perfect for that table that lives through our hot summers and cool winters.

We have a few different designs – some with attached seating, others with separate bench seating. Altogether great especially when combined with a lake view.

We love creating stuff for kids. Over recent years the MenShed team have in particular created all sorts of items which have acted as the foundation upon which children can express themselves through painting.

The latest are wooden circles which after the artwork is applied will be displayed in town as part of an upcoming conference.

Creating perfect wooden circles is not easy. The project offered the opportunity to learn new skills, so good all round !

We often get families dropping in items for repair. Many are items which have been in the family for generations and normal wear and tear have taken their toll.

Most items are toys but this week the MenShed Team have been working on an umbrella stand. Its the first time we have worked on an umbrella stand but the stand itself is also unusual. It’s built like a wooden barrel with metal straps and wooden staves.

Its great to see heritage items important to families returned to use. We also love the challenge many such repairs present.

A second batch of shelving designed to hold school bags at Mt Aspiring College are underway.

Built from recycled materials we know the shelves are in for a tough time. The first batch passed the test and we expect these to perform as well.

It’s great to help out and make a difference for our local schools.

This week the MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop completed a couple of outdoor chairs. Both are crafted from wooden barrels upcycled from one of our regions great wineries.

The project was not easy. We had a photograph to guide us but it took time to sort out the design. The result looks great and is comfortable too!

Over recent months the MenShed team at the Wanaka Community Workshop have completed props for local theatre productions. These have included square rigged sailing ships, a fence and style as well as chairs and tables.

A stand along door is the latest prop currently being created. The door is for a production at Mt Aspiring College.

We love creating items which are a bit different and have special requirements including the ability to be cleared away quickly.

A year ago the MenShed team completed a couple of raised gardens at the pre-school in Hawea Flat.

This week we were back installing a frame above each garden. Something to spread netting to ensure birds don’t get all the produce or frost knocks everything over in winter.

The kids were back. It was great explaining what we were doing and how we were doing it. The gardens and adjoining fruit trees are in great shape. In the future the birds maybe kept at bay but kids loving picking out an apple or sweet pea to nibble on!

A few months back the MenShed team built a shelter beside the pump track in Dublin Bay.

The shelter houses bikes which have been donated for use by kids using the track who arrive at the beach without their bike. It works well.

Members of our team check the bikes and every so often repair them as needed. This was the case for the smallest bike – a little wooden number.

Its back in service now – smiles all round.

This week the MenShed team from the Wanaka Community Workshop completed their giant chair.

At 3 meters high and weighing some 500kg its the largest item the Workshop has produced. Plenty of room for multiple people as well.

The chair has been delivered to The Camp, the holiday park beside Lake Hawea. It will become a feature down beside the beach where I am sure it will become the centre of attention for numerous selfies.

Great job, a fun too.

Work has commenced on what will be the largest chair in Upper Clutha – perhaps Otago!

Its designed to make a 2 meter adult look like a kid. Should be fun.

We still have a few things to work through including fabrication and then getting the monster to its site at the Hawea Campground. All good!

It’s something each of us are likely to use but not something most desire.

A coffin is coming together at the Wanaka Community Workshop.

Customised, a lot cheaper and better for the environment than many alternatives its a practical approach to an issue we all face.

If anyone is interested in building their own (or indeed someone else’s), let us know via our email contact in this web site. If there is interest, the Workshop may run a class.