The official launch of Te Hokai Male Survivors Tairawhiti

“That man will start talking and will talk with other men. This will open up the conversation.

A safe space – The Gisborne Herald

Ken Clearwater acknowledged the work of people like Mr Marshall.

“We want to allow safe spaces where a man can open up and talk about trauma without being judged.” Mr Clearwater said.

“That man will start talking and will talk with other men. This will open up the conversation.

“This will be the first kaupapa Maori service for male survivors of sexual trauma so it is an honour and privilege to be here today. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.

“To Winton, don’t carry this on your own. You need to have support around you and I am only a phone call away.”

Mr Clearwater spoke about working with male survivors around New Zealand, including in prisons.

“Over the last few years I’ve been thinking about how can we get more Maori men to work with Maori men. It has been difficult and a real battle. It’s something no one wants to deal with or work through.

“When I first spoke with Winton in 2017 and he said he wanted to do this work, I told him you cannot do it all on your own. I see support in Tauawhi and I think this is a great place to start this mahi (work).”

A safe space – The Gisborne Herald