There's another twist in the Bert and Ernie controversy. https://t.co/pIas37sXR5 — PinkNews (@PinkNews) September 22, 2018 But Saltzman—who is himself gay—now says he was taken out of context. Speaking to The New York Times, he said: “As a writer, you just bring what you know into your work. “Somehow, in the uproar, that turned into…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/28/vatican-erases-popes-remarks-about-psychiatric-help-for-gay-children The Vatican has rolled back on a recommendation by Pope Francis that parents seek psychiatric help for children who show homosexual tendencies. The pope made the comments to journalists as he was flying back to Rome from Ireland, but the Vatican later removed his phrase from its official account, saying he had not meant…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/08/i-still-have-flashbacks-the-global-epidemic-of-lgbt-conversion-therapy “It was thought that, because I was still young, I had the highest chance of overcoming it,” Shurka says. “I was told how hard my life would be if I came out. I was told I could have the same attraction for girls as I did for boys. This was 2004. I’d never met…
Heartwarming moment New Zealand officer asks boyfriend to marry him during police graduation https://t.co/jfqLwVRG1i pic.twitter.com/IFGoO9zBAs — Newshub (@NewshubNZ) June 28, 2018 Police Commissioner Mike Bush has previously said that as an organisation, they look to encourage staff to “use who they are”, not “lose who they are” when becoming a police officer. “Therefore it’s important…
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/04/new-zealand-opens-website-for-wiping-gay-convictions.html Parliament last week passed the law allowing convictions for offences committed before homosexuality was legalised in 1986 to be expunged. It’s believed more than 1000 gay men were convicted and shamed before the Homosexual Reform Act was passed. “They key element of the application process is showing that conduct that led to the conviction…
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2017/10/straight-couples-got-treated-like-gay-people-went-vacation/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS t’s a world many could not fathom, one where straight couples are questioned, harassed, and discriminated against while trying to relax together on vacation. That reality is one that all too many gay couples face, a new study from Virgin Holidays shows. One of its depressing findings: Only five percent of LGBTQ couples feel…
Check out this story from the NZ Herald Android App http://nzh.tw/11904818 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?objectid=11904818&ref=twitter But he said he was just repeating the Bible – specifically Leviticus 20:13 which calls for gay men to be put to death. Robertson said he was not calling for church members to shoot anyone, and took no responsibility if someone did so…
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chechnya-parents-kill-gay-sons-russia-region-government-chechen-leader-ramzan-kadyrov-a7714591.html?cmpid=facebook-post Chechen police are reportedly urging parents to kill their gay children, according to survivor testimony from one man held in a “gay torture camp” in the country. Authorities have been telling parents of gay men to “sort it out” or the state will intervene, the victim, who has not been identified, claimed. The latest…
https://www.indy100.com/article/bill-nye-ice-cream-orgy-discuss-gay-conversion-therapy-7709536 On his new Netflix series, “Bill Nye Saves the World,” the enigmatic scientist uses a video about ice cream to demonstrate the craziness of so called gay ‘conversion therapy’. Because when there’s ice cream involved, even the most ignorant will listen. We are enlightened by forward thinking, but not everyone sees it this way….
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/us/log-cabin-republicans-donald-trump.html?referer=android-app://com.google.android.apps.genie.geniewidget Citing the Russian proverb that Ronald Reagan used to sum up his feelings on negotiating with the Soviets — “Trust but verify” — the group said in a written statement that it was not yet prepared to fully support Mr. Trump’s candidacy. “Should Mr. Trump become our nation’s next president, Log Cabin Republicans welcomes…
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.
Poutoa is a father and great grandfather born in Samoa but raised in New Zealand. He facilitates 3 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.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Jenny finds joy and fulfilment in various activites 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.
At the core of Jenny’s identity are the values of respect, kindness, and curiousity, which guide her interactions and shape her worldview, She firmly believes that even the smallest acts of kindness or positive change have the potential to catalyse greater transformation in individuals and communities alike. Jenny’s personality is characterised by a quiet strength, thoughtful demeanour, and unwavering loyalty to those she cares about, making her a valuable asset to the Better Blokes team and a source of inspiration to those around her.
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.
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 Post 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.
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.
