Make a real difference in the community by working for Father & Child. We’re looking for a well-organised all-rounder in Christchurch to fill this position, which coordinates our local activities. For full details see here

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.

Comment: Where Would We Be?

For our end of year function, at Father and Child Auckland, we hosted a barbeque.

This meant buying a few sausages and steaks, salad vegetables and bread.

Luckily Charlie and Harry turned up early, so they got to make the salads, plus it was handy that Linda, honorary benefactor, shouted a big bag of hot chips, our burner was a bit slow!

This made me realise how grateful we are to all the fathers and many other supporters who helped us in 2008.

It was a funny old year, a bit like the ’70’s oil crisis, or the ’87 crash, only worse? Like the end of the eighties, when government fiscal values seemed to switch from ‘controlled equality’ to ‘each for themselves’ then people only looked out for their own family. Our first real estate boom started, we rushed to the cities and all became a bit more isolated.

Naturally, one of the first things to suffer was community volunteering and soon after, a slow, drop off in community spirit. Cities like Christchurch seem to maintain a good level, certainly at Father and Child Trust, as many smaller farming towns still probably co-exist, by mucking in at times.

So luckily also for us, we are finding keen Auckland Dads who care enough to make time, to help others. We appreciate them helping at shows, contributing to our magazines, attending events, sharing their expertise and working behind the scenes.

We are not the only group attracting volunteers, but we are grateful, as for our funding. We see other support groups, plus I know about all the sports coaching and managing, cultural groups, dance and activities that totally rely on volunteers.

Whether motivated by their own hard times, witnessing someone else’s experience or to fulfil their generous spirit, the passion and energy that these volunteers generate, hopefully makes it worth all their whiles.

Without these gaps and cogs being filled and greased, how would our community gears keep turning?

Next: Parenting: Attention Span

Men’s Centre Established in Christchurch

The various men’s organisations in Christchurch have given birth to a new service called the Canterbury Men’s Centre (CMC). The CMC was originally proposed at the 2005 Men’s Issues Summit and since then the guys involved have been diligently working away at creating it and defining its purpose.

The CMC opened in January with significant funding support from the Canterbury Community Trust, Lotteries, and the Christchurch City Council and has since been looking at the existing education, health, and social systems to see what can be done to improve them for men and fathers.

Donald Pettitt, the CMC manager commented that ‘so far I’m amazed at the goodwill inside community groups for men and fathers’ and has found that the various managers and workers are wanting to improve services for men but are confused about how to do it.

Donald has joined the Canterbury District health Board’s Consumer Representative Group and the Council of Social Services representing the men’s sector in both cases. He is also currently nominated for the board of Partnership Health.

Initiatives by the CMC so far include; a series of workshops for health/community workers during Men’s Health Week in June 2008, the formation of a Men in Social/Health/Education Services monthly network group, and a brochure that brings together on one sheet all the services focusing on men in Canterbury.

Other possible projects under development include Men’s Sheds, Men’s Health Initiatives, A National Men’s Well-Being and Health collective, and an extension of services for men and fathers out of Christchurch and into Canterbury.

The CMC is also providing one on one support and referral services for men that are either in crisis or are looking to try something new.

If you are interested in hearing more about the CMC or want to talk to Donald about services for men give him a call at 03 940 9487 or email