www.mensgroups.org.nz has been developed by David Brindley. Drawing on experience as a Trustee of MensTrust in Christchurch, his own growth through Men’s Work and as a participant and organiser of Men’s Groups, David has worked to create an informative web site to support Men currently in groups and to encourage Men to seek and join a Group.

Topics covered in the web site include:

• An introduction to Men’s Groups
• News items of interest
• Links to other websites dealing with Men’s issues.
• Notices of Men’s Events
• A forum and blog for news and views

Introduction to Men’s Groups

A major initiative is the running of an Eight Week introductory Men’s Group, helping Men understand how a Group works, what they can bring to the Group, and what they can take away”.

Why Men’s Groups?

Around 50% of New Zealand Men have no friends, Men they can rely on in a crisis. Developing new networks through Men’s Groups puts a Man in touch with Men who will support him and challenge him; Men who with whom he can develop a depth of friendship unknown in bars and clubs.

As a Man grows in his group he is able to support and mentor new Men in his life.

Most men don’t have a life. What we have instead is a big act, kept up for protection. Early in our adult lives we pick out one of several standard masks – hard worker, cool dude, good bloke, tough guy, sensitive new man. And then for years afterwards, we keep up the pretence that this is us and that things are fine. “It’s cool”. “She’ll be right.” Underneath though, there is often a profound loneliness. Pretending, and having a life, are not the same thing.
– Manhood, Steve Biddulph