Here in Auckland the close relationship we have developed with the Onehunga office of CYF is helping to ensure that dads get the recognition and support they deserve.

This is from an article by Janie Smith in the Auckland City Harbour News on 3rd September 2010:

CYF Onehunga site manager Barbara Thomson says fathers play an important role in their children’s lives that can sometimes be lost in times of strife.

“Where there’s a lot of anger and grief between parents, for the child that’s half their family. A child needs to have some contact with their dad or at least their dad’s family. Even if dad doesn’t live with the family, he still has things he needs to give to that child.”

She says even if the father can’t provide a positive role model for his children, it’s something his family can often do.

“Dads are important.”

010910 NEWS Photo: Jason Oxenham/Fairfax Media. The Onehunga branch of Child, Youth and Family is working closely with the Father and Child Trust to make sure fathers are supported and recognised. Brendon Smith(left) from Father and Child Trust and Barbara Thompon, CYF site manager.

Read the full article here:
Support for fathers in times of strife

Dan Brown, a young father being supported by the Father & Child Trust, was interviewed on TV3 about the new “In Your Hands” DVD produced by Great Fathers.

Daniel Brown TV3 13th July 2010

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Mauri Ora Father’s Circle

Looking for support from other fathers?

Looking to lend your support to other fathers?

Just want somewhere where you can grow in confidence in your role as a father?

Maybe you are looking for a male only environment where you can talk with other fathers?

Then our Mauri Ora Father’s Circle may be just what you are looking for.

Meeting every Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Community Office 3 at the Onehunga Community Centre , 83 Church Street, (next to the library) the Fathers’ Mauri Ora Circle, embodying the principles of emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing, is a safe place where together we can discuss any fathering issues and collectively strengthen our fathering abilities.

Wednesday evenings – 7-9pm downstairs in Community Office 3 at the Onehunga Community Centre.

Facilitated by our Support Worker, Brendon Smith, what is discussed is determined by those who are there. Recently we’ve talked about topics like

• the need to inform children as soon as possible in the event of a separation
• deciding on the best school for your child
• the role our dads play in modelling how we father our children
• what happens when your ex partner wants to move to another town with your child
• children and sport

to name just a few.

Children are welcome, though we do usually leave them in front of a TV with a tin of biscuits!

You are welcome to “just turn up” any Wednesday or if you would like more information feel free to call Brendon on 525 1690 or 022 697 7026 or email him at auckland@fatherandchild.org.nz

The funding support of the Maungakiekie and Tamaki Community Boards (Auckland City Council) is gratefully acknowledged.

Recent discussion topics

New Book for Dads Launched

A new book is available for first-time fathers looking for information on the first year of their baby.

The ‘manual’ was written by three Wellington dads, who set up the web site ‘DIY Father’ in 2006 and did some fulltime baby caring themselves.

Meanwhile Father & Child’s publication New Babies Edition, which is being distributed for free in hospitals in the three main centres, is at risk of being discontinued as some major community funders the publication depends on had to absorb heavy losses from their investments.