ST MARY'S TOOL SHED: WHERE TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY ARE FREELY SHARED

St Mary’s Tool Shed 
Where tools, knowledge and community are freely shared

The Community Liaison Committee (CLC) grants continue to bring valuable local initiatives to life. St Mary’s Church is among the latest recipients, receiving support to strengthen their community Tool Shed. 

The shed operates on site as a lending library, offering access to tools for residents to use and return. The free service is a huge help for those needing to do repairs around their home but have limited access to resources. All the tools are kindly donated from friends and members of the community. 

The initiative operates as a high-trust, community-centred model, and the CLC funding has enabled upgrades to the shed which include the addition of a veranda, and plans are underway to build further shelter to ensure the space remains accessible in wet weather.

Brian Walker is one of the many hands who help run the service, and he enjoys being part of the team of volunteers who offer their time to assist with repairs and provide guidance, reinforcing the spirit of shared knowledge and support. 

He says, “I love that this space provides an opportunity for people to stay connected with the community. Most of us here are older and retired but being a part of something like this makes us feel valued. It lifts our spirits to give back. Knowing we can still make a difference and contribute to society with our years of knowledge and experience.”  

St Mary’s Church has long served as a welcoming community hub, providing space for other local groups to use, and the tool shed initiative has also welcomed new helpers like Ben Singh, who is studying Engineering at Auckland University.

Ben says, “I live nearby just up the road, and one day I thought I’d come and check it out. Since I’ve been involved it’s been a cool experience getting to know everyone. We’re all kind of learning along the way from each other, but I’m learning so much more from these guys.”

Church Minister and jack-of-all-trades, Joel Carpenter, wears a few different hats that have proven beneficial at the shed, which include being a house painter. 

He says, “The shed is an investment in the community, and we are grateful for any support we can get. Sometimes, people’s needs can feel complex when they really aren’t, all they need is some guidance, and sometimes, a simple practical solution.

What we’ve started here has also opened a safe space for people to come and talk with us. We listen and we do our best. It’s all about connecting. Because no one is perfect, we all have our moments, but at the end of the day we still care. 

The community is changing, so we’ve been evolving to fill what the need looks like, and we’re working to prepare the space for the future – whatever those needs may be.” You can find the team there on site every Tuesday, 9am to 2pm. 

Feel free to pop in for a chat or if you need to borrow or donate a tool, the shed is located in 132 Taniwha Street, in Glen Innes.