About Us
Our purpose is to connect and inspire men. Our approach is experiential, holistic and 100% New Zealand-grown in response to the needs and diversity of men in New Zealand. We conduct events for men of all ages and foster an ethos of men supporting each other within the context of their whanau and community. We encourage community development, a culture of service, and respect for women. The work is guided by the Essentially Men Education Trust, a Registered Charitable Trust funded by course fees, donations and community grants.
Our Vision
"For men to know themselves, connecting head and heart."
We believe all men can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and in doing so, can change the world.
Our Mission
To enhance the health and well-being of society by focusing on positive ways of being for men and boys, through promoting educational programmes, public awareness, leadership, community development and research.
Our Goal
Thousands of men from all over New Zealand and all walks of life have found this outstanding programme a powerful catalyst for renewal and change. So will you. You will build trust and feel safe. You will get a deeper understanding of yourself and will leave with the freedom to be the authentic you.
These are not just talking workshops – they are potent experiences that will wake you up, give you skills, and change your life.
Our Team
Trustees
You can contact the Trustees here
Paul Watson (Chair)
I joined the EM network in 2012 after participating in EM83. Since then I have been on many service teams and other EM events including Heartbeat and GOTC, I love having my cup filled up by warm EM men.
I am passionate about the community of EM and my desire is for as many men to be engaged and connected into our wonderful network as possible.
When not working or doing EM activities, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife, Chrissy, my caring daughter, Sienna, and my energetic son, Brady, in our Whangaparaoa home. Any spare time I have finds me umpiring cricket, playing sport or at a quiz night with my mates.
Phillip Rice (Vice Chair)
I have enjoyed the riches of EM for too long to remember. For most of this time I have been shirking responsibility but now that my two beautiful boys have grown up I have run out of excuses. I am hoping to give back something of the love and connection I have received.
If I'm not in, on or near water I can get a bit grumpy. For therapy, I like to step onto a stage with nothing…
Andrew Yelverton
I live in Blockhouse Bay with my wife, Alejandra and I have two children, Sara and Sean.
I was introduced to the world of Essentially Men as a participant in a Essentially Men weekend workshop in 2005 and since then I have been a strong supporter of the network and advocate of men’s work in general.
I am a keen cyclist and enjoy being in the outdoors except when it is raining of course, at which times you will generally find me at home curled up with a good book and possibly a glass or two of wine on hand.
Greg Newman-Watt
My partner Jeanette & I live in beautiful Ranui at the foot of the Waitakere Ranges and have 5 grown children between us.
I have been part of the Essentially Men community for around 14 years and am committed to it's goal of helping Men break their isolation. It's a real privilege to be part of a network of such good people.
When not at work I enjoy family and friends, woodwork, cycling, swimming and the odd run.
Rayna Love
In 2009 I attended EM69 and subsequently I have noticed profound positive impacts on the lives of the men (and their families) in my ongoing men's group, which is still deepening and growing some 12 years on! I've attended other EM workshops and events as well as volunteering on many EM teams.
I find EM a richly rewarding culture that embraces and values all members of the family and community. I'm passionate about creating deeper connection through authentic communication, sharing and empowerment; and crave a deep understanding between men, women and children.
I'm a parent to my two darling children Cameo and Jupiter; a life coach and I teach Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as well as other well-being courses online.
Any spare time I have sees me performing, recording, teaching and promoting music at wellness festivals and events around the country and overseas.
Marcel Bear
I was introduced to the EM community by someone saying they were her favourite bunch of blokes. And I found they are, indeed, a wonderful community of connected, vulnerable, funny and just plain men like you and me. The community of men that is EM offers such depth of connection, nothing compares. The EM benefits on my life flow to my partner Greta and 4 children.
When not being a dad (does that ever happen? :) I enjoy going to gigs, making the odd bit of noise music and driving my classic Fiat.
It is an honour to serve as a Trustee and help grow this wonderful community.
Staff
Andrew Hoare (Network and Programme Logistics)
I am an MBR number 76 man and have been involved in some way or another with the network ever since 2010. I have a special interest in the MBR Weekend Workshop and have rotated through roles from service teams to facilitating.
When not working I devote most of my time to embracing fatherhood and relationship. Any time after that sees me going on bike rides, with a motor that is, and making music.
Email Andrew Phone: 027 523 2291
Andrew Yelverton (Funding)
I live in Blockhouse Bay with my wife, Alejandra and I have two children, Sara and Sean.
I was introduced to the world of Essentially Men as a participant in a Essentially Men weekend workshop in 2005 and since then I have been a strong supporter of the network and advocate of men’s work in general.
I am a keen cyclist and enjoy being in the outdoors except when it is raining of course, at which times you will generally find me at home curled up with a good book and possibly a glass or two of wine on hand.
Adrienne Hunt (Executive Officer)
I started working for Essentially Men in 2011; initially in a part-time finance role. I am now full time and since I started I have tried my hand at most of the non workshop roles within Essentially Men. I am passionate about what Essentially Men offers to Men in New Zealand and that Men are provided with the support and care that they need for their own well being and a better outcome for New Zealand as a whole.
I live in Tokoroa and when not working I enjoy gardening, reading, DIY and crafts.
Email Adrienne Phone: 027 316 0508
Norman Watson (External Marketing)
Hi, I am Norman, and I love serving the Essentially Men community and supporting men's growth by encouraging men to attend our workshops and retreats to be better men in all aspects of their lives. I supported Rex, the founder of EM which started 30 years ago, and I attend my fortnightly men's group which inspires me and keeps me honest.
I am married to Barbara with three adult children and enjoy our five grandchildren. The call of the wild sees me enjoy the outdoors, DIY and holidays, which I have plenty of in our motor-home exploring Aotearoa.
Email Norman Phone: 027 345 4949
Our History
It seems a long time ago since our first Essentially Men circle in 1991. Rex had already travelled many miles on his journey; working the coal-face with wounded inmates, creating men’s retreats and many hours of personal growth and reflection, all the while honing his craft.
Inspired by the men’s work in America, Rex organised to go and hang out with Robert Bly and other men’s movement shakers. He returned with a fire burning in his young mans’ soul.
Having been blessed by these older men Rex set about bringing Essentially Men into being. A group of good men acted as a sounding board while Rex clarified his vision.
In early 2013, Rex made the decision that this was the right moment for him to step out of organisational roles. The timing had been prompted by the tight funding climate for NGO’s coupled with a sense that it was the right moment to make the shift he had seen coming away from a pioneer lead model of leadership into a more collaborative community style.
We are privileged to now have many men (and the support of many women) who are strongly committed, with a high degree of competence in what they are doing.
At the centre of our culture is keeping the heart alive. The reason we have lasted so well is that we keep renewing the call for men to be real and come from the heart. That is the unique note we sound for society.
Rex McCann - Founder