10 Years of the Boomer Shed: Celebrating Connection, Skills, and Community Contribution
- Beautification Trust
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The Beautification Trust proudly celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Boomer Shed, their much loved community workshop in Manurewa that brings together people aged 50 and over to connect, create and contribute.
Since opening its doors in 2015, the Boomer Shed has become a second home for a growing group of volunteers who use their time, skills, and experience to support community projects across South and East Auckland. What started as a simple workshop has grown into a connected community of 55 active volunteers. Together, they have contributed more than 500 community projects and clocked up over 22,000 hours of volunteer work over the last 10 years.
A Place To Belong
The Boomer Shed is not just about building furniture; it is about building whanaungatanga. Volunteers gather each week to connect, share knowledge, and enjoy a cuppa and a chat while working on projects that matter. Whether it is repairing furniture, making planter boxes, or creating community art installations, their work brings real value to the places we call home.
“As people grow older, it can become harder to stay socially connected,” says Stacey Upjohn, Boomer Shed Manager. “The Shed offers a place where people can talk, laugh, share stories, and that goes a long way in supporting emotional wellbeing.”
The Boomer Shed was built by its own members in 2015.
Bringing Generations Together
As Aotearoa’s population ages, finding meaningful ways to include older generations in our communities is more important than ever. The Beautification Trust recognises this and is proud to offer a space where older people feel valued, connected and empowered to make a difference.
“Thanks to the Boomer Shed, older generations have a place to come together, share their skills, and maintain strong social connections. It is a humble and powerful way we can support a more inclusive and caring community,” says Daniel Barthow, CEO of the Beautification Trust.
The Joy of Giving Back
The Boomer Shed is driven by community need. Local groups and organisations often approach the Shed with projects they would not otherwise be able to afford. The team steps in to help, often free of charge or at a low price, delivering real value through their work. Some of the Shed’s standout projects over the years include:
• An ANZAC memorial wall (2016), the relocatable wooden wall was painted with a faux marble finish and adorned with Anzac symbols and texts. It is used for Beachlands and Maraetai Anzac Day dawn services while plans are being made for a permanent memorial.
• Skyrockets sculpture for the Auckland Botanic Gardens (2018), designed as part of a display about the technology advancements in hydroponic gardening.
• A sensory mural for BLENNZ School (2024), designed especially for blind and low vision tamariki.
ANZAC memorial wall (2016), Skyrockets sculpture (2018), Sensory mural (2024).
“We do quite a bit for the community down here. It is good to be involved,” shares one of the Shed’s longest-standing volunteers, Colin White.
Emotional wellbeing and mental health
More than a woodworking shop, the Boomer Shed is enhancing social connections and emotional wellbeing for our communities. The Shed is inclusive and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, reduces social isolation, and creates opportunities for intergenerational connections, all of which play a key role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of older adults.
“The Boomer Shed is like my second home. Without it, I do not know what I would be doing,” says Garry Anderson, also a long-time volunteer.
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