My name is Chris Adamson. I’m 62, pākehā from Taranaki with strong connections to the West Coast of the South Island. I live in Auckland and I’m divorced, with two adult sons. I attended Dilworth from 1975 to 1979. I am a survivor of sexual abuse at Dilworth and have been through the Redress Programme.

I have a strong mental health background that includes multi-generational mental health service provision (my father and grandfather). I hold a Bachelor of Social Science, specialising in Human Services. I have served on the Boards of Man Alive, Frozen Funds Trust and Toi Ora Live Arts Trust and worked as a Mensline counsellor.

I have spent over 20 years working in community-based mental health in Auckland. I founded and developed Arahura Charitable Trust, which provides accommodation and delivers the international mental health programme model called Clubhouse. Clubhouse provides work opportunities, provision of needs and natural peer support.

I have also spent 18 years in civil works, which included managing a construction rock drilling company followed by logistics and heavy transport operations. I believe my work history enables me to relate to people from all walks of life. I have always held a strong passion for supporting men. I have worked with and supported men from young to old. I hold a deep commitment to other men who have experienced sexual abuse. I understand the experiences and healing process that I have gone through, as well as the challenges I still face. Any opportunity to help men on this path is one I embrace with strength and commitment.