A men's group is a regular (often fortnightly) gathering of a small group of men (typically 12 or less) who sit in a circle and share what's happening in their lives—challenges and successes—and, most importantly, their feelings. The circle is a safe place of confidentiality, honesty, respect, and non-judgement. Men in circle create a strong container to hold anything that may come up, where vulnerability and expression of emotion is encourage, and peer support is offered.
A men’s group is not therapy, but participation in a group is an opportunity for men to dig deep and uncover past wounds and patterns of behaviour, and to bring to light parts of themselves that they'd rather leave hidden. By practicing sharing, active listening, and offering insightful feedback, men learn how to better understand themselves—their flaws and strengths—and to better communicate and relate to other people, connecting to a great sense of belonging and purpose.
Men are committed to attending the group regularly, for themselves and for the other men who rely on them, and to challenge themselves to learn and grow. It's an opportunity for men to take responsibility for their actions and to be held accountable to their commitments—to developer greater integrity. As a group spends more time together, building trust, more and more depth is possible, with greater uncovering, healing, and transformation that can happen.
The goal is to help create more self-aware, emotionally-mature men who communicate openly and express their needs with confidence and honesty, living in healthy relationship with themselves, their families, and their communities.
There is no cost to attend, no hierarchy within the group, and no religious, political or cultural affiliations or agendas. Men’s groups are open to all men, from all backgrounds and cultures, of all ages, as long as they have the willingness and ability to attend regularly, work on themselves, and support others.
Men seek out this work for many reasons, and all are valid. The goal is simply for each man to improve himself and become a better man. The benefits men experience through participating in men’s groups, retreats and other events are multifaceted, and often include:
NZ Men’s Group Network is a volunteer organisation which aims to help create and provide access to men’s groups in Aotearoa, New Zealand. We are a network of people who have been involved in establishing and coordinating men’s groups and events for more than 25 years.
For the last 4 years we have actively promoted men's work, formed and mentored new groups, held retreats, and organised an International Men's Open Day in Nelson. We are also active on the West coast.
We have developed a template on how to create interest in men's work, to create groups, and mentor the groups for the first formative period. We will share this knowledge through workshops that are open to anyone in the country.
We are aware that it’s hard to find information or to access men’s groups in our country, and we aim to work with existing groups to change that. We actively work with Government and non-Government organisations to promote greater accessibility to men’s groups in our region.
Historically, our efforts have been primarily focused in the Top of the South, but we are now expanding to help connect men to more groups all across New Zealand.
Making men's groups accessible throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand, to help improve the mental and emotional health of Kiwi men. Every man who wants to check out or be in a men's group should have the opportunity.
Men with a strong sense of belonging and purpose who confidently and safely express their needs in relationship, community and society. Men who own their issues and work on them.