I have been busy at the Shed refurbishing some old tools, which I will take up to the Pacific Islands next year. The boys at the Shed have been helping with woodturning and sharpening tips, as well as bringing in donations of old tools - many  thanks guys...

www.pacificneighbours.blogspot.co.nz/

www.mensshednorthshore.org.nz

One of the boys at the Shed suggested that reading glasses would be welcome in Tonga and Shed members have generously donated over 20 pair for me to take to Niuatoputapu in December. If Shed supporters can help with unwanted spectacles any donations will be much appreciated - please drop them into the Shed, or call me on 479 1808 and I will collect them.

new shed project

 As an environmental artist I see a lot of perfectly good materials being disposed of in landfill. Having lived in Fiji and visited several Pacific islands I am aware that much of our waste would be very welcome to our neighbours - particularly after disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes. The remoteness and often poverty of these islands makes recovery from disaster extremely difficult and very expensive.
I have previously organised assistance to Bali after the bombing ("Byron Loves Bali" in 2003), and to Niuatoputapu in Tonga after the tsunami (2010). Currently I am continuing to collect tools, knives, nails, and pots and pans for Niua as many of the people have by no means recovered from the damage of the tsunami.

 See details on my new blog: http://www.pacificneighbours.blogspot.co.nz/

I am learning to restore and sharpen tools at the Shed, and members have been most generous in donating tools as well as hardware (nails/screws/etc) - many thanks guys....

this ain't easy!

salvaged from a hardware skip!