Older men are also a group whose circumstances can render them vulnerable in various ways, and the Foundation has supported MENZSHED New Zealand through two important health and wellness initiatives.
We sponsored important new research into the health and wellbeing benefits of Men’s Sheds for their members, undertaken by Emeritus Professor Edwina Pio. Conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, the study used a mixed-methods approach comprising focus groups, surveys and interviews across the Men’s Shed membership. It compared pre- and post-membership experiences of loneliness and also explored motivations for joining, activities undertaken and perceived benefits.
Modelled on a UK framework, the study provided valuable Aotearoa-specific evidence of the Sheds’ positive impact on members’ wellbeing. It found that participants reported a significant reduction in loneliness after joining a Shed and also benefited from improved emotional and physical health as well as a sense of belonging and purpose. As the country faces a rapidly ageing population and a growing need for inclusive, age-friendly spaces, the report highlights how public health, social and ageing strategies could be strengthened by investing in established, community-based interventions that genuinely improve men’s health and wellbeing. (Download the full report here.)
In addition to the above research, the Foundation has partnered with MENZSHED NZ to promote and deliver Men’s Health Expos to as many ‘Sheds’ as possible around the country. This initiative aims to bring men together in a familiar environment to engage with local health providers, encourage early detection of health issues and strengthen connection and partnerships with community health organisations. As at 31 August 2025, 95 of the 136 Sheds nationally had engaged in Expo discussions and planning thanks to Selwyn’s support, with 36 having held or committed to an Expo in 2025.
As for the health impact on members, referral rates following health checks conducted during the Expos averaged approximately 30%, illustrating the events’ effectiveness in early detection of potentially serious health conditions. At one Waikato Expo, 90% of men who had their blood pressure tested were referred to their GP, which highlights the critical importance of these initiatives in reaching men who may not otherwise seek medical advice. Many Sheds now plan to run Expos annually, with some also introducing monthly health talks for their members.
Chairman of MENZSHED NZ, David Broadhead, says: “Thanks to the generous funding provided by The Selwyn Foundation, MENZSHED NZ has been able to promote, support and deliver Men’s Health Expos across the country during 2025. These events have achieved tangible health outcomes, with significant numbers of men referred for follow-up care. The initiative has also strengthened relationships between Sheds, communities and health providers, ensuring that many of these Expos will become regular, sustainable events. Our thanks again to the Foundation for its invaluable support in helping men across Aotearoa New Zealand access potentially life-saving health information and services.”