At 11, Axcell was just six stone (38kg). Child Welfare officers noted him as being “anorexic” and suffering from “numerous colds and general malaise”. He was so unwell he couldn’t attend school for the first two months in New Zealand; years later his constitution was still described by welfare officers as “frail”. But right from…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11745201 A Herald investigation of the root causes of child abuse, starting today, finds that schools are more afraid of parents neglecting their children because of drugs and alcohol than they are of direct physical abuse. “It’s not the black eyes, it’s more children that have had a lack of sleep because there’s been a…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11735150 Known child abuse and neglect has more than doubled in Whangarei in the past two years it has been revealed, as the Government announces sweeping legislative changes in an attempt to stem “horrific” rates of family violence. Child, Youth and Family figures showed 941 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Whangarei in…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11735150 Known child abuse and neglect has more than doubled in Whangarei in the past two years it has been revealed, as the Government announces sweeping legislative changes in an attempt to stem “horrific” rates of family violence. Child, Youth and Family figures showed 941 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Whangarei in…
http://listverse.com/2016/05/03/10-facts-about-prostitution-in-the-victorian-era/ During the Victorian era, the age of consent was only 13 years old. Child labor still existed at the time. Many lower-class people saw their children as commodities because they could bring income into the family. Boys and girls as young as 11 or 12 could pass as 13-year-olds and had no choice but…
http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/dunedin-father-daughter-convicted-of-incest-2016091417 The pair, who have interim name suppression, had troubled pasts. The woman was born after a sexual relationship between the man and his 30-year-old foster mother when he was just 13. He was not involved in his daughter’s upbringing, but the two began a sexual relationship after being reunited in 2010 when she was…
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11600143 Since the early 1980s, Burrett, now 64, has bounced around New Zealand’s education system, working his way up to principal, then slipping to deputy, relief teacher, then tutor. His 40-year career ended last May when he was arrested and charged while working as a special needs bus driver and school caretaker in Christchurch. Burrett…
A 44-year-old woman found guilty on four charges of having sex with a 14-year-old boy has been named. Teacher aide Raelyn Jacquelyn Te Moni was found guilty after a five-day trial in the Christchurch District Court. The boy gave evidence, the Christchurch Court News reported. She denied five charges of having sexual intercourse and unlawful…
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/books/review-we-believe-the-children-on-child-abuse-hysteria-in-the-1980s.html?_r=2 Yet, as Richard Beck writes in “We Believe the Children,” his intellectually nimble history of the satanic ritual abuse scare, or S.R.A. in the shorthand of the time, no “pornography, no blood, no semen, no weapons, no mutilated corpses, no sharks, and no satanic altars or robes were ever found.” The McMartin case resulted…
Tool that can identify kids at risk of abuse has taken 3 years for government response. How long is too long? https://t.co/7mXMlMWEfD — AUT University (@AUTuni) June 29, 2015
Making the jump to become a client himself over a decade ago, Andrew found an affinity for groups and moved into becoming a Peer Support Worker. Fast forward and Andrew has worked with groups in prisons, run workshops for men and now leads support groups and provides one-on-one support to men in South Auckland.
Embracing the rich Polynesian culture in his community, Andrew has taken the opportunity to learn colloquial phrases and perhaps eaten one too many panikeke along the way. He also finds enjoyment in the great outdoors and has earned a reputation as a master picnic maker.
With front-line, leadership and lived experience, Bruce has a well-rounded perspective of the challenges our community faces and is committed to making a positive change. He has worked on withdrawal services, drug and alcohol, mental health support and family trauma programmes, advocating for and delivering quality outcomes for service users.
Bruce works to be a positive role model with humour and compassion, recognising and working with all cultures. He is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining his extensive network of partnerships with other health providers and agencies throughout Auckland. Bruce leads support groups and provides one-on-one support to men in West Auckland.
Andre leads support groups and provides one-on-one support to men on the North Shore.
He started off as a client of Tautoko Tāne, before working to become a Peer Support Worker himself. Having experienced the service we offer men; he is uniquely placed to offer support and care to others who need it.
Outside of work Andre is a car enthusiast and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Jenny supports the Better Blokes team in their mahi. With a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy, a Bachelor of Psychology and over 10 years’ experience in public service, she is well equipped to help keep things running smoothly.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Jenny finds joy and fulfilment in various activities that enrich her life. Whether she is immersed in a captivating book, enjoying quality time with friends, or exploring the great outdoors on horseback, Jenny embraces every opportunity to cultivate her passions and nurture her well-being. Looking ahead, Jenny envisions a future where she can continue her meaningful work at Better Blokes and transition away from the confines of corporate life to pursue a career that aligns more closely with her values and aspirations.
Sam is a psychotherapist and the lead support worker for the Auckland Central area. He conducts one-on-one therapy and also facilitates support groups.
With a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and a nearly complete Master of Psychotherapy, Sam is well-tooled to guide individuals towards their health and well-being goals. Through his training placements at a men’s prison and now at Better Blokes, Sam understands the unique needs of men and the present environment that men are finding difficult to navigate. Sam also brings extensive experience from several years of youth counselling.
A core tenet of Sam’s values comes from a motto from his high school – to love and to serve. Sam carries this mindset into both his personal life and approach with clients. Sam believes each individual is the expert on themselves and seeks to hold a position within therapy that is alongside the client, helping them to find what they need. His therapeutic approach is unique to each person and he strives to meet people where they are. He seeks to provide a strong relationship and safe environment for people to unpack, understand, process and move forward with their difficulties are.
In his personal life, Sam likes to spend time with friends and family. His hobbies include sports and exercise, gaming, films, cooking and being in nature.
As the general manager at Better Blokes, Simon Johnson has recently dedicated 2.5 years of his life to helping men on their wellbeing journey. With a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy, a Bachelor of History, and a Bachelor of Ministries in Practical Theology, Simon is well-equipped to guide individuals towards a path of healing and self-discovery.
In his personal life, Simon finds joy and fulfilment in activities such as sailing and playing the bass. These hobbies serve as a source of relaxation and connection with nature, which aligns with his passion project of starting “Sailing for Wellbeing” – a venture that aims to take people on weekend sailing journeys to promote holistic well-being. When it comes to values, Simon holds honesty, integrity, and truth with grace in high regard.
His decisions are guided by the principle of speaking the truth in love, which reflects his compassionate nature and desire to help others grow and heal. Describing himself as introverted, creative, and successful, Simon embodies these qualities in his work at Better Blokes and in his personal endeavours. His go-to inspirational quote, “The Truth will set you Free – Be True to Yourself and Success will Follow,” emphasises the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in achieving personal growth and success. Simon’s commitment to helping others, his dedication to personal growth, and his passion for sailing and music make him a well-rounded individual with a strong sense of purpose and compassion. Through his work at Better Blokes and his future endeavours, Simon continues to inspire and uplift those around him with his genuine and caring approach to life.
Poutoa is a father and great grandfather born in Samoa but raised in New Zealand. He facilitates a number of support groups and also one to one support sessions in the South Auckland area. He has been with Better Blokes for 6 years. He also works for the Salvation Army where he facilitates a prison group.
Pou has found over his years with Better Blokes that while he does the work for the benefit of his men, he also gains as much from mahi as do the men – it’s a two way process almost like self-therapy. Outside of Better Blokes Pou enjoys spending time with family, sports, faith, camping and personal exercise. Pou is hoping to do some more travel in the next few years too, possibly to Israel and the U.S. One of the values that Pou holds dear is the mana that every person holds, regardless of their behaviours. Because of this, everybody deserves respect, love and compassion. Pou describes himself as an empathetic, understanding person created in the image of God.
Dave founded Better Blokes over 15 years ago now and has a passion for supporting men healing from Trauma. Dave is the West Auckland area coordinator and a peer support worker. He also sits on the Better Blokes Board. He is a long-term resident of West Auckland and is married with 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Dave is a qualified builder and has also trained as a teacher, body therapist, grief facilitator and peer support worker. Dave is also a keen sportsman; having been a provincial rugby representative and gaining honours in both Taekwondo and endurance running. Some of his other interests include; prayer and meditation, connecting with cultures other than his own and walking.
In his work Dave has found as he is able to offer identification and acceptance of others’ pain, he too is able to heal from his own pain. Dave values commitment and loyalty and is learning to leave space for God as decisions and life guidance occur.
As Dave helps men to heal from trauma he is hopeful of creating a more loving and peaceful nation of Aotearoa New Zealand and connecting with other likeminded individuals and organisations around the world.
Patrick first ventured into this line of work by enrolling in Lifeline’s telephone counselling training program, Survivors, which focused on addressing men’s issues through a service called Mensline. He dedicated 4 ½ years to this cause, committing to two evening shifts a month. During his time there, he participated in Essentially Men’s introductory weekend course, leading him to join a men’s group that he remained actively involved in for about 15 years.
Additionally, Patrick pursued further education in the field, completing a paper in Family Systems and a Group Facilitation course with HD&T. About four years ago, he responded to an advertisement from Better Blokes seeking assistance with men’s groups. Since then, he has engaged in various training weekends and week-long programs offered by Better Blokes and Male Survivors Aotearoa. Currently, Patrick is leading support groups and providing one-on-one support to men on the North Shore.
Peter Syke has over 40 years of experience as a community worker in Central and South Auckland, dedicated to supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups and individuals. He has worked with the Anglican Church, ME Family Services for 30 years and currently serves as an independent community activist. Peter holds qualifications in education, social policy, sociology, youth work, liberation theology, business, and regenerative practice.
Peter has been involved with Better Blokes for a couple of years and previously engaged with the South Auckland team during his time at ME Family Services, providing a link for men living with trauma. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board for the outgoing Incorporated Society and the new Charitable Trust. His decision to join Better Blokes was driven by a desire to support groups working on the margins that focus on providing support and empowerment for men. Outside of his involvement with Better Blokes, Peter finds joy and fulfilment in being a life member of Mangere East Hawks RL, engaging in community regeneration projects such as tree planting and caring for local parks and environments, and actively supporting his family and grandchildren. Additionally, he has been a candidate for the Green Party in Mangere in the past two elections. The values that are most important to Peter in life include relationships and connection, respect, humility, and diversity.
