The government has positioned the Families Commission as a ‘centre of excellence for knowledge about families and whanau’. Providing ‘advice on effective, accessible, and appropriately targeted services’ is one of the Commissions key future roles.
The Commission is inviting 50 ‘key thinkers’ from outside government to a forum in May to develop a ‘knowledge base’ about family service delivery.
The Families Commission is best known for its controversial campaigns on male-initiated family violence (the ‘White Ribbon’ and ‘It’s Not OK’ campaigns), which have been rejected by some of New Zealand’s top family researchers. The Commission’s key role in the past has been to fund family-related research, and in 2009 it commissioned a large study on male views on fatherhood.
It campaigned for the introduction of paid parental leave for fathers in late 2009 to a frosty response from the government.

By Peter C Walker. In 1981 Adam Osborne invented the first laptop and obviously it was designed to sit on the top of your lap. But Mr Osborne didn’t count on the potential health risks associated with this, such as ‘toasted skin syndrome’ or overheating testicles. Working on your laptop may seriously inhibit your chances of becoming a father in the first place!

So when ‘Maiden New Zealand’ contacted us about promoting the Platform9, a laptop stand to fit over your knees, I decided to give it a whirl!

When it arrived I never expected it to be so funky, it really stood out. Some friends of mine were instantly attracted to it simply because of its modern look.

One comment in particular; “It’s a way cool fashion accessory”.

When I got it home it was a perfect fit for my laptop, not too big and not too small. When plugging in USB and power cords or using the CD-ROM I realised that ‘Maiden’ owner Dwayne and his team have really thought about the design and functionality.

I placed the Platform9 over my knees and found it a little fitting, so not a perfect fit, however the functionality of how it works is brilliant, nice relaxed position while putting me in an ergonomic state to complete my work, game playing or surfing the web. The Platform9 found its way onto the kitchen table where I found it an ideal base to work on a hard surface with. So far I am really impressed!

But could it really aid my health, prevent burns or save my unborn children? Yes, the Platform9 is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a tough, highly transparent material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It is therefore the best product to protect your health and support your wellbeing by providing a layer between you and your laptop.
The Platform9 is an innovative laptop stand with more than just comfort and looks in mind. It takes your computing experience to a whole new level, whether on the kitchen bench, lying on the couch or propped up in bed. Some might say it is saving lives!

RRP: $69.95. www.platform9.co.nz

In the NZ Herald today:

Fathers hit by baby blues, too.

New figures from the Australian Antenatal and Postnatal Depression Association show that between 10 and 33 percent of new fathers suffer from Post-Natal depression.

Keegan Brendon Madeline Smith photo: Doug Sherring NZHerald 27th March 2011

Auckland Father and Child worker Brendon Smith was interviewed (below). Although the article linked to the Plunket website offering access to father’s groups, sadly they neglected to link to fatherandchild.org.nz, or mention the weekly support meeting in Onehunga.

Year long struggle

As a new father, Brendon Smith sank into depression while trying to cope with the needs of his partner and two babies.

He noticed the changes 10 years ago when his children were aged 6 months and 18 months, while watching their mother go through similar symptoms.

“Even though I’d heard the term postnatal depression, I didn’t really understand it,” he says. “I didn’t like going to work and I didn’t want to see my mates.”

The symptoms continued for about a year after Smith, who was 37, left his role in IT sales to become a stay-at-home dad. Smith has become a support worker for Father and Child, a trust set up by fathers for fathers.

Father & Child is increasingly becoming aware of (separated) parents who leave Christchurch with their children without consulting the other parent.
In many cases Parenting Orders made by the Family Court specify that children cannot be taken out of the region without consulting the other parent. Once out of the city the children will be deprived of their time with the parent staying behind, which they are entitled to under a Parenting Order.
Father & Child advises that the current State of Emergency does not invalidate Family Court Orders, and parents must continue to adhere to them unless both agree that it is in the best interest of the child not to. Where the living situation has become unsafe for one parent, children should in the first instance be taken to other legal guardians, generally the other parent.
Maintaining the established routine of how care is shared between two separated parents is also an important part in restoring a sense of normality for children, and a move out of town and away from one parent may, in fact, further increase anxieties and feelings of insecurity.

It is good to be able to work for father and child here in Wellington. Personally, Father and Child will bring much needed help for men in general and especially young men with children.

Exciting times are ahead and I am glad I’ll be along for the journey.

Cheers Q.

Father & Child’s new (and first) Wellington Coordinator is Quentin Solomon. Quentin has 3 children aged 1-9 and comes with a background in youth, sports and Maori health. Give him a ring and say hello on (04) 909 7294.

Staff have returned to work today at the Christchurch office, and we have begun checking on our high-priority families as well as contacting our community partners. However, most community groups appear closed. We have offered our help to those coordinating the community response to the quake.
Although we plan to be fully open again from next week, staff may be assigned to other priorities in the overall community response in Christchurch.

The Christchurch Father & Child office has taken no substantial damage, and all services have been restored yesterday morning (Friday). The immediate surroundings of the office have suffered no severe damage.
The physical office at 369 Hereford Street will remain closed until Monday 7 March, however staff will start working remotely from Monday 28 February although initially with reduced hours to give us the time we need to look after our families. Phone messages will be checked throughout the week.

The Christchurch Father & Child office will stay closed until at least Monday 28 Feb, depending on whether power will be restored until then and what travel restrictions may still be in place. Drop-in hours will not resume before 7 March at the earliest.
While the quake brought down bookshelves and computer screens, the building and contents seem okay, and it is located outside the CBD cordon. Three of the four Christchurch-based staff were in the office at the time, and all four and their families are (physically) unharmed. We hope the same is true for all our volunteers, friends, supporters and the families we work with. Harald

Our Coordinator in Auckland, Peter Benzie, is resigning from his job, as his other commitments have grown. We’re extremely sad to see him go, and he’ll be a hard act to follow.
The position is advertised and applications close 4 March. Full details here