Community work

We are a socially responsible non-profit enterprise and consider the economic consequences, as well as the social and environmental implications of our activities.  With this in mind we are working to make a positive impact in our community in a number of ways:

• Education and Training
  Often for gender or cultural reasons, an overwhelming number of women | wāhine have missed out on learning woodworking and related skills. Alongside offering an unrivalled hands-on experience of power tools and machinery in our women-only workshops, in 2024 we set up a Women Empowerment Fund to raise money in order to offer workshop participation to women | wāhine from a variety of backgrounds such as those who have needed the help of Women’s Refuge or refugees starting a new life in NZ.
• Empowerment and well-being
  Being able to create or fix something is remarkably empowering.  The skills we share are not only of practical use, but also highly supportive of mental well-being.  This has long been recognised by organisations like the International Mens Sheds Organisation including in New Zealand.
• Environment
  We partner with local Auckland groups including Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao for whom we build items to support their mission to create urban spaces where native species can thrive and BirdCare Aotearoa who provide care and rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned wild birds.
• Community Groups
  We support local community groups including SPiCE (Sandringham Project in Community Empowerment), and Kakamai Brownies by building items such as community pantries | pātaka kai or hosting events where young girls can experience using power tools.
• Women in Trades
  We’re passionate about empowering and guiding more women to pursue trades. Through sharing our knowledge and experiences, we not only teach women woodworking skills but also cultivate a community where they become role models, inspiring others and demonstrating that anyone can succeed in this field.