- Men’s Health Expo to offer advice, checks, and connections in non-medical environment
- Conference to include site visits, expert talks, and AGM for members and partners
- Research on Shed health benefits will be released by The Selwyn Foundation in June
MENZSHED New Zealand’s 2025 Conference is underway in Invercargill this weekend, with the Kelvin Hotel hosting members from across the country. Running from 4–6 April, the event promises a packed schedule with a major new focus on men’s health.
A central feature of this year’s gathering is Saturday’s Men’s Health Expo, an initiative designed to bring vital health information directly to Shed members in a welcoming, informal setting. Attendees will have access to free health checks and advice from major health organisations, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Hearing Southland, Heart Foundation, Alzheimers Society and Diabetes NZ.
David Broadhead, Chairman of MENZSHED NZ, said, “While men gain mental health benefits simply by attending their local Shed, MENZSHED NZ aims to extend its offering to provide physical health benefits. We’ve devised a proven ‘Men’s Health Expo’ model which brings men together for a morning in a non-medical setting where they can connect with various health providers, get advice on common health issues and even have their blood pressure tested, for example.”
Following successful pilots in Te Awamutu, Matamata and Masterton, MENZSHED NZ now plans to expand the programme across its national network of 136 sheds. “With generous support from The Selwyn Foundation, we aim to deliver a Men’s Health Expo to as many of the 136 Sheds around the country as possible,” Broadhead added.
The Selwyn Foundation is also funding new research on the health and wellbeing impacts of Men’s Sheds, with results expected in June 2025. This aligns with its broader ‘Respectful Ageing’ strategy to support older New Zealanders.
Other highlights of the conference include visits to key local sites such as the Invercargill Men’s Shed, Niagara Timber, E Hayes (home to “The World’s Fastest Indian”), and Fi Innovations. The speaker line-up features David Helmers from the Australian Men’s Shed Association, mental health expert Zac Kim from WellSouth PHO, and Dr Murray Preifer on men’s health.
Helen Robinson will speak about the new Hawthorndale Care Village, while Shed member Mark Dunick will share his personal journey with kidney cancer. The keynote speaker is Keith Neylon, a veteran of New Zealand’s primary industries and author of A Touch of Madness.
The event will also host the MENZSHED NZ AGM and include social activities for partners of attendees.
MENZSHED NZ acknowledges its sponsors: E Hayes, Invercargill Licensing Trust Foundation, CARTERS, Carbatec, Go Bus and Rothbury Insurance Brokers.