It’s been just over a year since the men of Katikati moved to their own “shed” they can now, hopefully, call their forever home.

After a few years in limbo, MenzShed Katikati are now happily toiling away at the huge space at 33 Middlebrook Drive with all the tools of the trades they need.

The MenzShed had a shared shed in Wharawhara Rd for many years, but had to move a few years ago. They’ve since been working from a venue on Katikati College premises.

They are over the moon to have the new facility.

“We have other men’s sheds who visit and they’re a bit jealous,” said Mike O’Donnell.

Now the men folk have their gleaming facility, they feel a responsibility to muster more community involvement this year.

John Topping peers through the new power saw.

“We are very much aware that it’s a great facility that needs to be used for the wider community, so this year we are looking into new opportunities.

“This may include opening the facility maybe on a Saturday afternoon (the shed is open Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings) ... so if any groups would like to come in and use our facility under professional guidance, we can give that time to the community.”

O’Donnell envisaged this as an opportunity for school groups, educational institutions, community groups or individuals, including women, wanting to upskill to get in touch with them.

The group undertakes many community projects from churches, schools, kindergartens, Katch Katikati and council, plus numerous jobs for individuals at modest rates.

This year they’d also like to be more involved in computer numerical control equipment, which will appeal to new and younger members.

The menfolk take a break from their projects at 33 Middlebrook Drive.

The purpose-built space was constructed last year and is owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council. MenzShed Katikati, Katikati Community Patrol and Katikati Community Van are housed here after being selected to occupy the new space following expressions of interest in 2021.

For more information go to menzshed.org.nz/katikati/ or email kkmenzshed@gmail.com

Katikati Community Patrol

The building at 33 Middlebrook Drive is shared among the MenzShed, Katikati Community Patrol and Katikati Community Van.

The new venue has been an “absolute game-changer” for the Katikati Community Patrol, said Euan Neil. They now have a covered and secure area to house the patrol car and keep all their equipment.

“Instead of going to the yard and working in the dark when it’s chucking it down with rain, we come in here, we prepare the car, do the checks on it, the paperwork and we don’t have to get soaked. When we come back, we’re doing everything in the dry again and with decent lighting.”

Their previous home for the patrol vehicle was outdoors at a private residence.

Euan Neil and Ross Sutherland, of Katikati Community Patrols.

The patrol MG ZS SUV is equipped with first aid, traffic cones, lights, jumper leads, fire extinguisher and mobile defibrillator.

Team leader Ross Sutherland said volunteers oversaw a large area from Tanners Point to Morton Rd, so they were always looking for more patrollers.

They are also part of Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) Pathway to Police programme, which encourages potential police recruits to join. Locally, they have one on board.

Sutherland said they needed more funds for running costs such as fuel, insurance, uniforms and maintaining gear. The patrol has been trying to future-proof itself for the past few years and with secure premises and the vehicle, it now needs to concentrate on funding to launch more patrolling during the week.

It always needs more volunteers. The local patrol has about 18 at the moment and they range in age from 19 to 90.

Katikati Community Van Service

Before moving into the Middlebrook Drive building, the Katikati Community Van Service was based outdoors.

“It is great to be able to store the vehicles under cover,” said Leslie Ruf. “It makes charging Eftpos machines and phones much more practical, and of course, there’s the security aspect. It is also great to be able to run training sessions under cover, especially wheelchair practical training, which is difficult if it is wet.”

Leslie Ruf, of Katikati Community Van Service.

She said it worked well to have the trio of community organisations based in one building.

They are looking for more volunteer drivers and application forms are available from the Katikati Community Centre (549 0399). Bookings can be made at Katikati Community Centre.