Focus on Fathering Week a Winner!
Way out in West Auckland, a long time ago, there was a super city called Waitakere. They invested immensely in community initiatives, family friendly events and participation. Three years ago they dedicated a week to fathering and this year it was better than ever!
As part of her research for work rehabilitating men in prisons, Elaine Dyer heard about a project in South Africa which aimed to re-engage the local community with fathers.
If their neighbourhood stability and reduction in violence was to be sustainable, they needed dads back in the homes, valued and respected.
Fathers would have to step up in certain cases, many having been ostracised or incarcerated, but with responsible roles as protectors from violence and peaceful providers, fathers were welcomed back.
Elaine knew that in her city, tremendous efforts had recently been made to profile the state of fathering and establish support services.
Warwick Pudney and the Man Alive crew, along with Rex McCann of Essentially Men and Mayor Bob Harvey, had pioneered research and relationship courses, so with the backing of Violence Free Waitakere they decided to launch ‘Focus on Fathering Week’ in 2007.
Providing existing support services with a chance to connect to the public, along with interesting events, some specific to certain types of dads, made the inaugural week of festivities a vibrant mix.
Waitakere’s Promoting Great Parenting trust already hosts the fantastic ‘Toddler Day Out’ event in February each year, but this new festival concept required several events over 7 days in different venues.
With a positive approach, aiming to restore and celebrate the role, a great photograph competition was organised with donated cameras. Students from local high schools caught their fathers, uncles, grandfathers in images that capture them doing ordinary, loving and fun things with their children.
The exhibition at the West City Mall was manned by supporters while the W.O.W. Health bus provided free Heath checkups. The success made Elaine determined to improve and led to the improved show in 2009.
Incorporating the dad4life.co.nz website and logo, especially as free stickers for dads, made for an easily recognisable hub for information The Waitakere City Council contributed media skills, website and marketing, plus plans were bigger again, with Parents Inc providing three free Pio Terei ‘No Sweat’ parenting seminars in Ranui, Henderson and Oratia.
The opening evening featured talks from experts including our own Harald Breiding -Buss, It was a vibrant night with performances from Henderson High School’s talented drama troupe, a loud haka for Elaine Dyer and songs from Lunchtime lectures were organised by Geoff Bridgeman in the library over four days.
Attendance was limited but enthusiasm high for topics like Internet Porn and Boys, Engaging Dads, Men and Childhood Education and How Men Do Bonding. Father and Child Trust worked with Parents Inc West Auckland to host a Dads and Babies seminar.
Along with many specific events and the very popular Fathers’ Day Out Picnic and Clean Up day at Henderson Creek, Focus on Fathering Week 2009 was bigger again.
With the cleanup Kayak team and councillor Michael Alofa on MC duties, this year’s picnic fun and activities were of the highest order.
Local Chinese grandfathers presented their versions of a traditional father’s song, then Po Karekare Ana!
A Men and Families Trust from Helensville attended, bringing their own blend of activities and low key support services. Andrew Connely and his crew man a drop in centre, organise group fun days and offer specific support for issues men face.
A Fathers Day remembrance service was held at the Hospice West Auckland in Te Atatu.
The picnic day kids and mums may have won the tug of war, but Focus on Fathering Week is winning the battle!
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