McKenzie Friend Workshop 17th May 2003

Lawyer Rod Hooker spent the morning giving useful advice about supporting people to represent themselves in the Family Court. He stressed the need to prepare thoroughly and to develop a strategy aimed at a clear goal. He warned that fathers should avoid introducing any issues that do not directly support their objectives.

Over 30 people turned up, representing at least half a dozen fathers' support groups. We were particularly pleased to see participants from the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato.

After lunch, Member of Parliament Rodney Hide turned up and spoke to us. He is particularly concerned about the secrecy that the Family Court operates under. When one concerned father approached him to say that the judge had specifically forbidden him to talk to any politicians, Rodney was so outraged that he agreed to appear at the next court hearing as the man's McKenzie friend!

Rodney Hide is very supportive of the work fathers' groups are doing towards reforming the Family Court. He was particularly complementary about the workshop organiser and current Men's Centre North Shore chairman.

"Jim Bagnall is a saint" Mr Hide told us.

Supporting Fathers in the Family Court

One-day workshop presented by Men's Centre North Shore and Lawyer Rod Hooker.
Saturday 17th May 2003.

Are you:

• Running a group for separated fathers?
• Acting as a McKenzie friend in the Family Court?
• Dealing with separated fathers as part of your work?

Men who are currently representing themselves in the FC are also welcome, however please note we will NOT be dealing with details of individual cases.

This workshop will:

• Teach you about the basic court processes and paperwork.
• Explain the does and don'ts of being an effective Mckenzie friend.
• Offer a chance to network with other men supporting fathers.

PROGRAMME:

9.30am Session One
Rod Hooker will give an overview of how the Family Court works, discuss options and tactics for fathers representing themselves, and explain the various forms which need to be filed.

11.00am Morning Tea

11.15am Session Two
Rod Hooker will talk about how to act as a McKenzie friend, things you can do to increase the chances of a good outcome for the father you are supporting, and approaches to avoid.

12.45pm Lunch

1.30pm Session Three
Networking and Discussion chaired by Jim Bagnall. The afternoon will be a chance to hear from other men who are assisting fathers in court, to share your experiences, to swap notes, ideas and ask questions.

3.30pm Workshop ends

DETAILS:

9.30 am Saturday 17th May 2003
Auckland Bridge Club, 273 Remuera Rd.

Cost: $20 - light lunch will be provided.
Reservations phone Jim Bagnall (09) 815 0307

We can probably organise accommodation for people from out of Auckland if necessary.

More information about McKenzie Friends.