Hi Guys,
Here's a brief round up of latest news and upcoming events as we head into a flurry of activities and meetings.
Events Calendar Overview
Reefton Men's Day - 7 October 2023
Social Gathering, Nelson/Tasman Men's Groups - 14 October 2023
Rotoiti Men's Retreat, Labour Weekend - 20-23 October 2023
International Men's Open Day - 18 November 2023
Waitangi Men's Weekend, Deer Lodge, St Arnaud - 2-5 February 2024
Welcome To Our New Team Member - Nick!
Our team has expanded by 50% with the arrival of Nick Duval-Smith from Mot's Tuesday Group, who will cover aspects of the International Men's Day. Welcome Nick, your contribution is highly appreciated. BTW we still have vacancies if someone wants to join even for small time-contributions.
Reefton Men's Day | Saturday, 7 October, 12 to 5pm | Reefton
It has grown like a baby on an abundance of breast-feeding. It'll be a fun and highly informative event with trailer backing competition, roast and bbq lunch with enough for 150 people. Horses from equine therapy apparently mingling with people, sharp and informative and inspirational speakers like our own former All Black, Royce Willis, MP Damian O'Connor and his brother whose farm was flood stricken, guys who have seen rock bottom, plus a range of professionals from organisations that look after men.
This event is less lifestyle/personal improvement and more about personal and social issues and support available.
However our own focus will be on presenting what men's groups are, because we will offer one in Reefton.
So here is my appeal to you. Please come and support this event, show up, have fun, bring yourself in, take on a little chore (shifting chairs, time keeping, turning sausages, participate in demo circles incl one serious , themed one. I realise that everyone is busy, but you won't regret taking part in this one! AND you can combine it with a day tramp on Sunday.
So please let us know if you are coming as soon as possible. You may choose to come on Friday, share a dinner and a circle with us, help with the food prep. Or you may come on Saturday, early if you can to help set up. The groups from Greymouth, Westport and hopefully Kaikoura will come as well.
Victor will work out some accommodation options. There is the campground, but there are other options, however Reefton is busy. Let us know as soon as possible.
Please get in touch with Victor 022 3264157 or me 021 213 2299
Rotoiti Men's Retreat Labour Weekend | 20-23 October 2023 | St Arnaud
Hope you can make it. If you've never been, take the plunge and immerse yourself in men's work for an entire long weekend. You'll be amazed what comes out. This goes to a another level compared to what we do in the groups, plus you share life with a diverse buck of guys for several days.
Social Gathering Nelson/Tasman Men's Groups | 14 October 2023 | Nelson
The last social was a great success with 4 groups represented. We talked about our commonalities and differences in the groups, various ideas about men's work.
There's no agenda for this coming gathering other than mingle, network, hang out and talk. But of course there is the opportunity to talk about our men's work experience, ideas and visions. The International Men's day is coming up, so if you want to hear about it and possibly bring yourself in, this is your opportunity.
81 Halifax St, in the Wood(!), the house with the arches from 6pm with takeaways or 7pm well fed.
International Men's Open Day | 18 November 2023 | Victory Community Centre, Nelson
We felt last year went extremely well, especially the uptake of the workshops was amazing. Therefore we keep the format. There is room for improvement, of course. Plus we would like to grow it a bit.
There will be more space to mingle and hang out and have deepening conversations about the workshops you have attended. We intend to have 3 instead of 2 spaces where the program unfolds.
The Nelson event is based on our form of men's work as well as us seeing ourselves as part or the issues that concern men and the wider support that is available. Last years theme was isolation (shrinking life as you grow older), this year's is "Avoid Crisis".
Again we want this to be broadly supported by and reflecting our vibrant scene. The event works only if the groups support it and its idea/message actively. Please
talk to us,
critique our approach,
bring ideas,
discuss its agenda ,
suggest or offer workshops,
help on the day.
Contact me or Victor or Nick or come to the Social event above.
Please share, like, link and spread our Facebook event page.
(The handsome guys on the Facebook page are the Tuesday group, formed at last years event. Time that you meet these guys!)
Website
We want to continue fleshing out the website out with interesting, up-to-date content, eventually having discussions going on, too. Currently we are looking for someone to put some effort into it, posting content, collecting photos and bring in his ideas. A vacancy with huge potential for your career as well as astronomical pay (kidding!). It could be you!
Men from other regions. If you have something to share or announce , we can publish it on the website. Get in touch here.
Got Any Photos Of Your Group?
We are looking for engaging photos of men doing their thing, group photos, men's 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).
If you want any announcements in this newsletter and/or on our website like events , vacancies in your group or whatever, contact us. We will however decide if its relevant here. We don't want to spam people.
New Members Are Welcome!
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. Plus we will form another one in November
If you want any announcements in this newsletter and/or on our website like events , vacancies in your group or whatever, contact us. We will however decide if its relevant here. We don't want to spam people. Contact us here.
Hardy
021 213 2299
Victor
022 326 4157
Looking forward to welcoming you at our upcoming events!
Hardy and the team at Nelson Men's Groups