RISE supports International Men’s Day
In It Together – A Free Event – Created for Men By Men
Men in the Nelson region are invited to a special event to mark International Men’s Day.
The event features food, workshops, panel talks, music, yoga, and connection, and has been created by men for men.
It is the fourth International Men’s Day held at Victory Community Centre and takes place on Saturday November 22. The theme of this year’s day is “In it together.”
RISE Clinician Victor Macgill is a part of a small group of men organising the day which is run by Nelson/Tasman Men’s Groups. Men’s groups met regularly and are a place for men to share the challenges and success in their lives while promoting positive forms of masculinity.
RISE is proud to support the day and men’s groups run in Nelson, Golden Bay, the West Coast and Kaikōura.
Victor says the day will explore “who we are as men in 2025.
“What moves us, what challenges do we face, and how can we do better? This is a chance to explore these questions together in a supportive, down-to-earth environment.”
Victor says the event is a great chance for men who want to get to know themselves a little better and get support from other men.
He says attendees can expect a relaxed day and the chance to hear from men with similar experiences as well as counsellors, social workers and inspiring speakers.
Attendees can meet other men who value honesty, reflection, and real community. The event is for men, but some speakers are women.
There are 15 men’s groups in Nelson, with more groups in Greymouth, Westport, Reefton, Motueka and Golden Bay. Victor hopes more groups will form as a result of the day
Victor says most Men’s Groups meet every two weeks, with opportunities to attend other events with other groups throughout the year.
He says the groups are a safe place to talk about things you can’t or don’t usually talk about in other settings.
“We talk about different things when we get together, it goes beyond the sport or cars. We talk about relationships, health, careers and that sort of stuff. You are not going to get that sort of discussion at the pub.”
He says he has attended a men’s group for years and has never left a meeting feeling it wasn’t worthwhile. His group has been together for 12 years and know each other well and know how to challenge each other really respectfully.
What’s planned for International Men’s Day
Panel discussions
Victor says this year’s International Men’s Day includes panel discussions on How to Break Up Well. The talk will discuss how to get through a separation with care, explore what can go wrong and how to avoid it turning into a war. Men will share their real experiences and a lawyer, therapist, child advocate and court representative will provide expert advice.
Another panel will tackle the thorny issue of Dating in 2025. Topics touched on will include attachment theory, what a healthy relationship looks like, reg flags to avoid + a diverse range of experiences (both men's and women's perspectives).
Talks
A number of interesting talks are planned. Victor will talk about Conflict and Anger in Relationships, Tim James is talking about Intergenerational Trauma and How to Overcome it, Danyon Fairbrother will talk about Recovery from Rockbottom and Inner Work for change.
The fourth International Men’s Day is at Victory Community Centre on Saturday November 22.
What’s in it for dads: Are you a dad or solo dad?
Victor says there will be dedicated topics and panels for fathers, and they may start a new Dads’ Group from this event. Kids are welcome and there are offerings to keep them entertained.
Workshops:
Effective Communication - Psychodrama Workshop - with Simon Jones
Family Constellation Workshop - with Isabelle Eustace
Music, Movement and Healing:
Conscious Dance - with Jaime Howell
Yoga for Men - with Adam Thomas
Cacao Ceremony & Healing Journey - with Benjamin Jones
Drumming - with Brett Ellis
Introduction to Men's Groups:
Demonstration Men's Circles - lead by experienced men, happening all throughout the day
Details
Come at the 11am start and plan to hang out for a while to enjoy a wide range of activities, connection and insightful conversations with other men.
Talks and other activities take place from 11am - 5pm, with a drumming session at 5pm to close.
Food will be available at low cost
For more information visit mensgroup.nz/groups/nelson-tasman or check out their Facebook page facebook.com/mensgroupsnelson. For a programme on International Men’s Day click here: mensgroup.nz/event/international-mens-day-nelson
International Men’s Open Day is at the Victory Community Centre, Nelson on November 22 from 12 – 6pm. International Men’s Day is marked on November 19.
November is also the month that White Ribbon Day is held. White Ribbon Day is an international awareness day drawing attention to violence against women is held on November 25. This year’s White Ribbon theme is: We Speak Up.