MARCH: Nine Years of Transformation: The JOURNEY of Fathers For Families
Tena koutou,
As Fathers For Families (FFF) marks its ninth year of operation, we pause to reflect on a journey of growth, restoration, and relentless hope. What began as a small, bold response to the destructive impacts of family violence has matured into a transformative movement — one grounded in cultural identity, faith, accountability, and the healing power of connection. Across nearly a decade, we’ve stood alongside hundreds of men as they’ve taken courageous steps to break cycles of harm, heal deep wounds, and rebuild trust — not only within their whanau, but within themselves.
Honouring the Whanau of the Sector
Before sharing our own haerenga, we acknowledge the wider family violence sector across Aotearoa. To every organisation, facilitator, kaimahi, and survivor walking this road — we see you. This is difficult, emotional, and often unseen mahi. Yet the collective commitment across the motu to support whanau through violence, trauma, and intergenerational harm is something we honour deeply. Fathers For Families extends a heartfelt mihi to every kaupapa, every roopu, and every person on this journey. May we continue to uplift, learn from, and support one another in this shared mission.
The Early Seeds – A Risk Worth Taking
Every movement begins with a leap of faith.
For FFF, that leap came through Colleen Fakalogotoa, who, under the Family Start contract at Family Success Matters (FSM), made the courageous decision to invest in this kaupapa. Colleen recognised that while support for tamariki and mama was vital, the transformation of men was just as essential in breaking the cycle of violence. It was Colleen’s belief in a kaupapa still in its infancy — one that spoke to healing through culture, faith, and accountability — that created the fertile soil for FFF to grow. We honour her leadership, her conviction, and her willingness to champion something different.
The Unsung Heroes – Our Board Members
No kaupapa thrives without solid foundations. Our Board Members, past and present, have been the pou holding us steady through every season.
These dedicated individuals have offered their time, wisdom, governance, and unwavering support behind the scenes. They’ve navigated complex systems, upheld cultural integrity, and ensured our kaupapa remained focused on impact and safety. To our Board — thank you for believing in this work when it wasn’t easy. For every challenging conversation, every long meeting, and every decision made with heart. Your legacy is embedded in the story of Fathers For Families.
Our Team Leaders – Steady Hands of Practice
Dave Ringrose (2014–2023)
Dave was instrumental in FFF’s formative years, bringing a strong lens, quiet wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the potential of men. His influence helped shape a programme that was both safe and transformational. He also founded the FFF Health & Wellbeing initiatives — launching our Walk & Talk sessions and establishing the GYM Group in 2014. Both continue to support the physical and mental wellbeing of our men today. Dave was also the co-author of the original 10-week intervention programme.
William Pua (2023–2024)
William built on that solid foundation, offering a wealth of life experience, deep cultural insight, and a compassionate approach to supervision. His leadership during a period of change allowed us to respond meaningfully to the evolving needs of our men and the wider societal landscape.
Their wisdom continues to echo through our programme and our people.
Current Leadership – A New Era
Eli Tulafono (2024 – current)
Under the leadership of Eli Tulafono, Operations & Programme Manager, Fathers For Families (FFF) has entered a transformative new era of growth, innovation, and clinical excellence. Since joining in 2024, Eli has brought vision, structure, and a deep understanding of both trauma-informed practice and cultural responsiveness.
Eli is the author and principal architect of the newly developed 14-week Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Marama Family Violence Intervention Programme, which has evolved from the original 10-week model into a comprehensive, research-informed curriculum. This programme integrates kaupapa Maori frameworks, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Biblical values, and contemporary trauma research — addressing not only behaviour change but also the emotional, cultural, and spiritual healing of men and their whanau. Eli also co-designed with Monty the FFF Men’s Workbook, which supports participants’ learning and reflection throughout the programme.
In addition to leading the clinical transformation of FFF’s core services, Eli developed and authored the Te Ara Whakamua Leadership & Prevention Programme in 2025. This innovative 14-week initiative builds on the foundation of the intervention programme and supports men to move beyond cycles of harm, equipping them with leadership skills, employment readiness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
His leadership has included the creation and implementation of a full Clinical Practice Framework, now embedded into FFF’s digital systems, streamlining case management, progress monitoring, and evaluation. His unwavering commitment to excellence, cultural integrity, and meaningful change has strengthened FFF’s ability to empower men and their whanau towards healing, stability, and positive contribution.
The Evolution – From 10 Weeks to a 14-Week Movement
Thanks to Government funding for the first time in our history, FFF expanded into a 14-week Family Violence Intervention Programme. This evolution reflects not just growth in duration — but in depth, responsiveness, and cultural relevance.
Today’s men face complex layers of trauma, systemic disconnection, emotional suppression, and fractured identities. Our 14-week journey meets them where they are and walks alongside them toward who they can become.
Our kaupapa is grounded in four interconnected frameworks:
Te Tiriti o Waitangi – our foundation of partnership, protection, and participation
Te Huringa o Te Ao – recognising societal change and cultural renaissance
Te Aorerekura – aligning with the national strategy to eliminate family and sexual violence
The Biblical Principles & the Fruit of the Spirit – guiding us through love, patience, kindness, and self-control
At the heart of this kaupapa is a Whakapakari Tane approach — strengthening men not just to be accountable, but to be restored.
We believe men can stand again — not in dominance, but in dignity. Not in fear, but in freedom.
Our Kaimahi – Past and Present
We would not be here without the dedication, passion and resilience of every single kaimahi — past and present — in particular; Monty, George, Tane, Ross, Dishan, and others like Iosefa, Ula, Mateni, Allen who stood on the frontline with our men and their whanau. Community Stakeholders – Strength in Collaboration
FFF’s journey has been strengthened by the dedication, passion, and resilience of every kaimahi — past and present — and our valued stakeholders.
We acknowledge the Papatoetoe Seventh Day Adventist Church (Andrew Hoeflich, Kevin Kuresa and team) for their unwavering commitment in sharing their venue with FFF, We thank Frank Hicks and Tina Moulynox from Guardians of Our Children for supporting men navigating family court matters. To JJs Richards & Sons — especially Taki York & Jeremy Young, we don`t want to forget Mal Jack for his continued weekly discussion with the team. and son Ricky Jack for the amazing work he has done bringing our Web Page to life and in his own time — and others who have walked alongside us, your collaboration has strengthened both our kaupapa and our community, we value you all!
Our Current Kaimahi
George Prescott (2023–current)
George Prescott, Senior Facilitator and Chaplain, has been a driving force in the expansion and impact of our Health & Wellbeing Programmes. Since 2024, he has strengthened these services by embedding best practices and developing partnerships with professional stakeholders to meet the diverse needs of our men.
Alongside his clinical and cultural leadership, George facilitates the Monday Evening - Champion Fathers Peer Support Group, fostering a consistent and supportive space where men can share, reflect, and build resilience. His unique combination of pastoral care, trauma-informed practice, and cultural insight has enhanced FFF’s wraparound approach, empowering men and their whanau towards lasting growth, accountability, and healing.
Monty Valivaka (2016–current)
Monty Valivaka has worked closely with Eli in the development and delivery of FFF’s new programme content, playing a central role in shaping its growth and effectiveness. His deep experience, cultural insight, and authentic engagement have brought the curriculum to life, enabling men to connect in meaningful and transformative ways.
As Senior Facilitator, Monty fosters a safe, respectful, and empowering environment where participants feel supported to explore complex and often challenging topics with honesty and courage. His ability to balance facilitation, lived experience, and cultural practice has strengthened both the depth and impact of the programme.
Monty’s leadership has contributed significantly to the personal growth of the men he supports, while also promoting accountability, healing, and a sense of brotherhood within each cohort. His unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of men and their whanau continues to be a cornerstone of FFF’s success.
A Living Framework – Tikanga, Wananga, and Whole-Person Change
The FFF wananga space has become a whare of deep transformation. Through three key identity roles — For the Man, For the Husband, For the Father — we help men reconnect to their whakapapa, confront their pain, and rewrite their story.
Our holistic approach includes:
Marae-based intensives (wananga)
One-on-one wraparound support
Group therapy and peer-led discussions
Health & Wellbeing Programme (bush walks, physical training)
Tools like the SCI Mindset System and Empowerment Triangle to manage triggers and support real-time decision-making
We now also deliver:
Te Ara Whakamua (14-week prevention stream) – early intervention, community-led change, and employment pathways
Te Ara Rangatira (Leadership phase) – transitioning men into mentors and leaders
This work is not just about behaviour change — it’s about identity restoration.
With Gratitude – Our Funders and Financial Supporters
None of this would be possible without the financial support of those who believe in our vision. Fathers For Families would like to acknowledge and thank the funders who have walked with us:
Lottery Grants Board – Community
BlueSky Community Trust
Catholic Caring Foundation
Department of Internal Affairs (COGs MANUKAU)
Four Winds Foundation
Pub Charity Ltd
Airport Community Trust
Foundation North
And our very first Government contract through MSD’s Te Huringa o te Ao
Your support enables us to deliver life-changing programmes, strengthen whanau, and walk with men toward healing and hope. We are humbled and grateful for your belief in our kaupapa.
Looking Ahead – He Waka Eke Noa
Nine years on, our mission remains the same: to raise conscious, connected, and courageous men who restore the wellbeing of their whanau and communities.
This mahi is not simple. It is confronting and often painful. But within the tears, the breakthroughs, and the quiet moments of insight — we see change. We see men returning to their whanau with open hearts. Fathers taking responsibility. Husbands learning to love without control. Leaders emerging.
To every man who has stepped into the fire of transformation: kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.
To every kaimahi, supervisor, board member, whanau, and funder who has supported this kaupapa: this is your legacy too.
And to the next generation — the fathers, sons, and brothers yet to walk through our doors — we are here. And we believe in you.
Fathers For Families: Restoring Mana, Building Legacy