Skip to content
Phone 0800 448 484Email EmailFacebook FacebookInstagram Instagram
QUICK EXIT
Better Blokes Charitable Trust (BBT)
  • ServicesExpand
    • Foundation Of Peer Support
    • Individual Peer Support
    • Group Peer SupportExpand
      • Find a Peer Support Group Near You
    • Agencies That Offer Useful Services to Male SurvivorsExpand
      • Nationwide Support for Men – Male Survivors Aotearoa
    • Well-being Framework
  • Peer SupportExpand
    • What Is Peer Support?
    • Benefits of Peer SupportExpand
      • Peer Support – Healing the Shame of Childhood Abuse
    • Understanding Boundaries
  • About UsExpand
    • Our Work & Values
    • Key Personnel
    • Partners
    • Social Sector Accreditation Level 2
    • Privacy Policy
  • News & InfoExpand
    • Stay Up To Date
    • Building Effective Services for Male Survivors
    • Debunking The MythsExpand
      • What Is Sexual Abuse?
      • Unresolved Trauma & Dysfunctional Behaviour
      • Just asking – have you been sexually abused ?
  • Support Videos
  • Contact Us
Donate
Phone PhoneEmail EmailFacebook FacebookInstagram InstagramDonate
QUICK EXIT
Better Blokes Charitable Trust (BBT)

humour

Baby porcupine eating a banana
Better Blokes

Baby porcupine eating a banana

Bybetterblokesnz April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Read More Baby porcupine eating a bananaContinue

If you’re having a bad day, here’s some bear cubs trying to get in a hammock.
Better Blokes

If you’re having a bad day, here’s some bear cubs trying to get in a hammock.

Bybetterblokesnz April 18, 2018

If you’re having a bad day, here’s some bear cubs trying to get in a hammock. pic.twitter.com/fJOGK4sFrG — Paul Bronks (@BoringEnormous) April 16, 2018

Read More If you’re having a bad day, here’s some bear cubs trying to get in a hammock.Continue

Surprise Party
Better Blokes

Surprise Party

Bybetterblokesnz February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

Read More Surprise PartyContinue

Police dog does push ups
Better Blokes

Police dog does push ups

Bybetterblokesnz November 22, 2017

Every officer works out at this police department — including Nitro the police dog, who matches his human partners in pushups. https://t.co/llzmnb4x12 pic.twitter.com/4uSP2yr7kd — ABC News (@ABC) November 21, 2017

Read More Police dog does push upsContinue

Tiny horse playing with a big exercise ball
Uncategorized

Tiny horse playing with a big exercise ball

Bybetterblokesnz December 2, 2016

This tiny horse playing with a big exercise ball will make your day. https://t.co/gHdPMgk3oN pic.twitter.com/Aw0jnutqtx — ABC News (@ABC) December 2, 2016

Read More Tiny horse playing with a big exercise ballContinue

Keep talking
Uncategorized

Keep talking

Bybetterblokesnz November 6, 2016

Show off your diagnostic skills with some snark. Don’t wait. These humorous psychology-themed items won’t last long! https://t.co/7kv1K6tOOe pic.twitter.com/4xF4x6W4RS — PsyPost.org (@PsyPost) November 5, 2016

Read More Keep talkingContinue

Uncategorized

The Future circa 1930

Bybetterblokesnz September 10, 2015

Read More The Future circa 1930Continue

Uncategorized

There are two kinds of people in world

Bybetterblokesnz August 14, 2015

These illustrations show that there are two kinds of people in world http://t.co/J1g7nJhXCJ pic.twitter.com/hhfEpjXLzy — Quartz (@qz) August 13, 2015

Read More There are two kinds of people in worldContinue

Uncategorized

Do the wrong things faster with coffee.

Bybetterblokesnz July 28, 2015July 28, 2015

Meanwhile in Brisbane. #Coffee pic.twitter.com/vD6f4YYxNU — Local Auckland (@LocalAuckland) July 27, 2015

Read More Do the wrong things faster with coffee.Continue

Phone 0800 448 484Email EmailFacebook FacebookInstagram Instagram
Quick Exit
shielded

© 2024 Better Blokes Charitable Trust (BBT)
Charities registration number: CC62027

  • Services
  • Peer Support
  • About Us
  • News & Info
  • Support Videos
  • Contact Us

Sam Fitzgibbon

Central Clinical Intern

Sam is an intern psychotherapist and key support worker for the Auckland Central area. He conducts one-on-one therapy and also facilitates support groups. 

With a Post 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.  

David Passell

Founder and Western Support Coordinator

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 Papalii

Southern Support Coordinator

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.

Contact Form - Popup

Jenny Harrison
Office Liaison

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 Giles
Northern Support Coordinator

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.

Simon Johnson
Support Worker and General Manager

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 Sykes
Board Chair

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.

Scroll to top
  • Services
    • Foundation Of Peer Support
    • Individual Peer Support
    • Group Peer Support
      • Find a Peer Support Group Near You
    • Agencies That Offer Useful Services to Male Survivors
      • Nationwide Support for Men – Male Survivors Aotearoa
    • Well-being Framework
  • Peer Support
    • What Is Peer Support?
    • Benefits of Peer Support
      • Peer Support – Healing the Shame of Childhood Abuse
    • Understanding Boundaries
  • About Us
    • Our Work & Values
    • Key Personnel
    • Partners
    • Social Sector Accreditation Level 2
    • Privacy Policy
  • News & Info
    • Stay Up To Date
    • Building Effective Services for Male Survivors
    • Debunking The Myths
      • What Is Sexual Abuse?
      • Unresolved Trauma & Dysfunctional Behaviour
      • Just asking – have you been sexually abused ?
  • Support Videos
  • Contact Us
Skip to content
Open toolbar Accessibility Tools

Accessibility Tools

  • Increase TextIncrease Text
  • Decrease TextDecrease Text
  • High ContrastHigh Contrast
  • Negative ContrastNegative Contrast
  • Light BackgroundLight Background
  • Links UnderlineLinks Underline
  • Readable FontReadable Font
  • Reset Reset