Hi everyone,
Hope you all survived the recent weather events unharmed. My house, unfortunately, leaks, and the garden is a swamp. In the meantime, the Kings Birthday men's weekend was a great success, with 25-odd guys showing up, several from Christchurch, and a couple from up North. There has been a lot of stuff happening in the background about which I'd like to keep you in the loop.
There are many recent and important developments:
- New Organisational Structure
- Essentially Men on Board
- Nelson Boys College Info Evening
- Facilitators Workshop: 5 – 7 Sept
New Organisational Structure
We have created a working group to discuss and organise what the Nelson men's groups want to happen, such as events, weekends, promotion etc. We meet every fortnight. The group is open to everyone and your ongoing commitment is highly appreciated, but if you only want to come once to have a say or only for specific projects, you are welcome to do that too. Some groups are not represented so, so if your group wants to be involved, here is your chance.
We are mainly working on the International Mens Day right now and there is, and will be, plenty to do. Your support, even if limited, is welcome and needed. We are still able to reshape the concept of the International Mens Open Day in detail if that is what's wanted.
Next meeting:
Sunday 20 July, 7pm
189 Kawai St, Nelson
Entrance on Tukuka
Nelson Boys College Info Evening
Martin from the Twisted Mavericks suggested that there are 1000 dads at the college and surely there would be a call for a dads support group. The Headmaster met us and was very much on board. So we formed a small group to organise an info evening.
This may well be a template for other schools or even organisations out there who may have a male clientele that could benefit from mens work.
Our current dad's group which was formed after last International Mens Day is going very well, and it's become clear that dads can do with the support. If you are a dad and want to join a group, do contact us.
Facilitators Workshop
We have long threatened to do it, and now it's happening.
5-7 Sept 2025
Deer Stalkers Lodge (opp. DoC Info Center)
St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti
Cost: $40 per night
(we can assist with the cost if you cant afford it)
Grow your skills in holding space for men.
This is open to any man (not women at this stage), whether you are in a group or not. It's also for those of you who work professionally with men and are interested in learning about our way of creating safe space for men to work on themselves in a peer support situation, where the facilitator is personally involved and NOT professionally detached.\
We now have a vibrant, growing men’s network in the Top of the South.
The demand for men's groups seems limitless and we are forming new groups in the Nelson region regularly. Last International Men’s Day led to the formation of two new groups. We intend to form one in August for Boys College fathers. We also envisage an open group for young men held publicly. There are organisations who work with men who would benefit from ongoing peer support. We aren’t even advertising, but men’s work in Nelson is gaining momentum. To continue expanding this important work, we need men like you to take responsibility as a facilitator, or in a supporting role through modelling as an “uncle”.
Now is the time for you to step up and support new men in their journey.
This workshop is designed to broaden our skills and grow our confidence in holding safe space for new men. We will explore the essentials of safety, the dangers and challenges we may encounter, and the boundaries we need to set. We’ll discuss techniques to help a man go deeper and overcome his limitations.
The workshop will include circles, sharing of our experiences in group work, as well as discussion to expand on some of the more important aspects of holding space, safety, etc.
Date and time: 5-7 September 2025. We will gather Friday evening through Sunday after lunch.
Meals: Evening meals are shared, with everyone providing ingredients and helping to prepare.
Please bring: Bedding and everything else you need. Please arrange what you need for your own breakfasts and lunches.
Venue: Deer Stalkers Lodge in St Arnaud, opposite the DoC info centre. There are bunk rooms or marai style mattresses on the floor in the lounge. STRICTLY NO CAMPING OR SLEEPING IN VEHICLES.
Cost: $40 per night (we can assist with the cost if you cant afford it)
Numbers are limited. Pre-booking is essential.
For more info or to book, please contact:
Hardy
021 213 2299
ed.bew@trehcabydrah
or
Victor
ten.lligcamv@rotciv
Essentially Men
EM has officially joined our website mensgroup.nz. We get a lot of Auckland enquiries and EM will cover the top of the North for us, since they have the same values and practises as us. Have a look at their website if you are interested in how they manage “The Work”. There are a few cues we could take from them. (and vice versa, I'd like to think).
On that note, have a look at our website, mensgroup.nz, which is being expanded and improved constantly by Alek from the Twisted Mavericks. This is probably the best time to thank Alek for his efforts and expertise. The site is very professional and appealing. The events calendar is brimming with events.
If you have suggestions or critique, please contact us.
Represent your group on mensgroup.nz
If your group hasn't done so, consider writing a blurb and submit your group through the website submission form. It's a way of networking with others and may give you new recruits when you need them.
Photos
We are looking for engaging photos of men doing their thing: group photos, mens group activities, events etc, to use on the website and possibly for promo on posters. Would you have some? Is your group OK being visible for the purpose of promoting our work? (please make sure everyone is happy with it)
Newbies
If you know someone who is looking for a men's group. Put them in touch with us. We've been very successful in placing dudes in groups.
If you want any announcements in this newsletter and/or on our website, such as events, vacancies in your group or whatever, contact us. We will, however, decide if its relevant here. We don't want to spam people.
moc.liamg@noslenspuorgsnem
Hardy
ed.bew@trehcabydraH
021 213 2299
Victor
022 326 4157
Nick (Motueka)
0210333574
