Men's Koru Group - 2025 Update
Since June 2021, Men’s Koru has been going strong under the guidance of HEART Change Agents Rev. Joel Carpenter and Isoa Kavakimotu. The goal was to create a space for tāne in Tāmaki to share and connect in a “No Judgement, No Advice” environment.
Despite various lockdowns and challenges, Men’s Koru has grown from a small crew of six to a network of over 30 local men. Attendance is a revolving door of members, and many describe the sessions as “entering heavy and leaving feeling lighter.” The leadership team has also expanded to seven leaders who now facilitate the sessions.
Last year, the theme was Te Whare Tapa Whā, with each term focusing on a different aspect of Sir Mason Durie’s framework. This year, the theme is The Elements, with each term centred on a different element. These themes act as guiding stars for our Men’s Koru waka throughout the year.
Several community initiatives have been born out of Men’s Koru members:
• St Mary’s Tool Library
• Juggernaut Lifestyle Mentoring
Men’s Koru serves as a starting point for men to share, connect, and heal—empowering them to become better people in service to their whānau and communities. We’d like to acknowledge Faith Family Connect for being our initial base of operations when we restarted in 2021, and we thank St Mary’s Glen Innes for being our home since 2022.
We anticipate that Men’s Koru will continue to grow and thrive, remaining a safe space for men to share and connect.
Men’s Koru would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Social Development, the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, the Tindall Trust, and Tāmaki Regeneration for their funding and support.
Men’s Koru is open to all men in Tāmaki. We meet every Wednesday evening during the school term at 7pm at St Mary’s Church, 132 Taniwha Street, Glen Innes. Come along for a cup of tea and kōrero. All men are welcome!
Written by Isoa Kavakimotu