Pat Futter, widow of Ian, immediate past chairman and founding member of Ōtaki MenzShed, has been inducted as an honorary member. 

Chairman Tony King presented the membership certificate at a function in honour of her late husband’s extraordinary service to the MenzShed. 

“We are pleased and proud to present this to Pat, in honour of Ian’s dedication and service,” Tony said. “This is only the second honorary membership the club has awarded. We should not forget that in addition to his stewardship of this club, Ian was a leading figure in our community.

“He was involved in so many activities that I am surprised he had time to do anything else; but he did of course. Above all he was a family man. People like Ian are rare, and it was a privilege to know him and work with him while he provided wise and strong leadership to our members.”

Ian died after a short illness in July from pancreatic cancer.  He was also involved in several community organisations including Amicus (formerly Probus) and Lions.  His obituary was published in September’s Ōtaki Today. 

Pat joins Bronya Clare as an honorary member. Clare was the wife of the late Valdis Plato, who founded the Ōtaki shed in 2013. He had an inclusive vision that promoted friendship, building and supporting local community and saw the creation of opportunity by nurturing those in need as central to the club.

Unlike many Sheds around New Zealand and Australia, Valdis, who died in 2017, wanted to create a welcoming place for both men and women. 

“There's a satisfaction of doing something in the community, doing things with people who are unable to do it themselves,” he said at the inaugural meeting.

“Valdis’ legacy to Otaki is this wonderful club we have here, where anyone is welcome,” Tony King says. “Currently we have 12 women members and around 40 men, most are retired but all just want to help their community. Whilst we have a mission to help and support small projects in our community, the shed also provides a space for comradeship, fraternity and friendship and supporting each other. This is what makes it so special.”

The MenzShed is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 186 Mill Road, behind the Community Women’s Health Centre, telephone 022 4069 439.