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

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 canmen@inspire.net.nz .