About Us
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 History
Rex McCann - Founder
Our first Essentially Men circle was 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 visited with Robert Bly and other men’s movement leaders. He returned with a fire burning and set about bringing Essentially Men into being. A group of good men acted as a sounding board while Rex clarified his vision.
Early 2013 was the right moment to make the shift away from a pioneer lead model of leadership into a more collaborative community style. Since that time Essentially Men has operated as a regsitered charitable trust and has been run by a community of men operating in a cooperative and collaborative manner.
The trust is privileged to have many men (and the support of many women) who are strongly committed, with a high degree of competence and experience 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.