About

Damien: I grew up in Tasmania, Australia but now my home is Aeotearoa; otherwise known as New Zealand.

I'm not qualified in anything, but am interested in pretty much everything. Welding is one current interest: it's amazing how scrap metal can be reused to make useful items and also what can be repaired with a little know-how of the tools and techniques (EIT Wairoa's welding short course is highly recommended!)

Making modifications to a door bolt for my girlfriend at the local Menzshed.
Making modifications to a door bolt for my (ex) girlfriend at the local Menzshed.

Weaving with harekeke (New Zealand flax) is another hobby I've taken up. It's highly rewarding: it's amazing what one can make with this humble and beautiful plant. Learn how to handle harekeke and you will be learning about strong structures, scratching at the origins of our species invention of rope, and so much more...

My first waikawa basket.
My first waikawa basket.

This article was updated on 19 August 2024