Otago Men's Groups

Want to live a more authentic life?

Develop more fulfilling relationships by safely exploring your thoughts, experiences and issues (no matter how difficult) with like-minded men. Experience being heard in our supportive men's group which has been meeting regularly for over 20 years.

A typical meeting:

1. A few minutes of silence to help slow down and calm our busy minds.
2. We 'check in', each man having a few minutes to share whatever feels important to him at the time, and the others focus on listening to him.
3. The space is opened up for anyone to bring up something they want to dive deeper on, and the group listens, asking questions to help draw out more of the inner experience. As this becomes clearer, the group sometimes brings forward wisdom, experiences and reflections. This part of the group can be more focused on what one person has brought forward, or it can be more free-flowing depending on what comes up on the night. The main guidelines are to be authentic, focus on what's going on inside, genuinely listen and be respectful. We do sometimes challenge each other to see things differently, too - always with respect.
4. At the end, we each have a minute or so to share what came up for us through listening and participating in the group process. Often this reveals that we all share common experiences and feelings, even when we are different to one another.

The group is co-facilitated by all group members, with the long-standing group members providing overall guidance where needed.

Where: Quaker Hall, 15 Park Street, Dunedin/Ōtepoti, Aotearoa New Zealand

When: 7.30pm - 9.30pm on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

If you're interested in joining/trying the group, please call or message us. New members are welcomed and encouraged to come for a couple of sessions before committing to attending the group regularly.

Details shared within the group are kept confidential. We do sometimes post on this page about the broad themes that were discussed in a group meeting. When we do so, all group members present agree to this and the message shared is co-written by us all.

Visit the group facebook page

Queenstown Book Club - For Men has been going in Queenstown since September 2020 & supports men from all backgrounds in the Queenstown Lakes district. While we don't read too many books, our group meets once a month at the Sherwood Hotel to share in meaningful conversations, listen to guest speakers, share life's challenges, enjoy the odd quiz & general banter while also supporting one another in an authentic & encouraging way. The monthly meetings have had & continue to have a powerful impact on the men that attends mental health & general happiness in life.

Join us at Wellspace for men's fortnightly sauna gatherings, a primal ritual that pays tribute the mind, body and soul. We gather in a supportive group of like-minded men, who seek growth and to engage in healthy masculine topics and conversations.

Every other Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to arrive.

A regular group sweat with an opening and closing fireside circle, led by owner operator Rick Gutzewitz and his male staff members. It's your space to talk, hear others, to share honestly and authentically about what's going on in your life, health, relationships, identity, sex, money, purpose, or any thing else that's alive for you. As a team, we support and challenge each other to evolve as men in peer development. This is an opportunity to connect, reflect, share, and forge lasting bonds, growing together in a safe and welcoming environment.

These gatherings will have a focus around:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Mental Resilience
• Social Fitness
• Health and Wellbeing

Each session includes three rounds of sauna and cold therapy, both silent and guided, thought provoking fire side conversations, complimentary tea and a good laugh.

Agreements we practice:

• Confidentiality
• Non- Judement
• Honesty
• Presence
• All emotions welcome
• No interruptions
• Compassion
• No unsolicited advise

Our demographic is open to all, typically attracting 25-45 y/o men who like to share both their challenges and their wins in life.

Currently Solid As - Brighton, Dunedin has been running 15 weeks. Solid As - Opoho, is starting in 2 weeks time. And Christchurch is starting up in July. Our Brighton circle is at capacity (10 men) currently, but as natural attrition happens, likely spots will open up. Opoho has room for 5 more men. Christchurch, has space for 5-7 men currently. More info can be found at www.solidas.nz