our service
TE HIKOI - our integarted service framework
Restoring Mana. Building Legacy.
Fathers For Families walks alongside men and fathers as they take responsibility for harmful behaviour, strengthen their wellbeing and work towards safer futures for their tamariki and whānau.
Our service framework, Te Hikoi — the journey, brings together programme delivery, practical support and opportunities for continued growth. It connects our initial behaviour change programme with a longer pathway through prevention, transformation, restoration and legacy.
Five connected approaches support this journey, helping participants apply their learning in everyday life while remaining accountable for their choices and actions.
1. The Five Intercepting Approaches
Supporting the Whole Journey
The five approaches work together across Te Hikoi. Support responds to each participant’s needs and circumstances, with accountability and the safety of tamariki and whanau central throughout.
Facilitation
Holding the Programme Space
Our facilitators guide structured learning, reflection and accountability conversations. Participants examine beliefs and behaviours, recognise the impact of harm and practise tools for emotional regulation, respectful communication, relationships and fatherhood.1.
Health & Wellbeing
Strengthening Everyday Foundations
Our health and wellbeing activities support healthy routines, connection, resilience and continued accountability.
FFF Gym Sessions: Supporting physical wellbeing, discipline and positive relationships.
Walk the Talk: Creating opportunities for movement, reflection, informal mentoring and meaningful conversation.
Peer Support: Providing continued connection and a space to discuss challenges, reflect honestly and maintain accountability.
Whānau and Children’s School Holiday Programme: Creating safe, welcoming activities that support tamariki and strengthen positive connections with fathers and whanau.
Community Mentor Services
Walking Alongside Fathers Through Practical Challenges
Community Mentors support fathers to prepare for and engage responsibly with situations involving parenting, justice processes and whanau wellbeing.
Support may include Court attendance, Family Group Conferences, whanau hui, communication with relevant professionals, practical advocacy and referrals. Our team helps fathers understand expectations, keep commitments and navigate processes, with specialist advice sought where required.
I.T, Data, Evidence, Tracking & CRM
Supporting coordinator care
Our information systems support referral management, assessments, attendance, service recording, reviews and participant progress.
Accurate information helps the team coordinate support, identify appropriate next steps, evaluate services and report our work with integrity.
Training and Workforce Development
Strengthening our people
Training, supervision and reflective practice help staff, facilitators, mentors, co-facilitators and volunteers carry out their responsibilities safely and consistently.
Development includes professional boundaries, cultural responsiveness, Te Tiriti-informed practice, understanding trauma and family harm, facilitation, mentoring and accurate recording.
Selected graduates may develop towards approved roles through training, supervised practice and competency assessment.
2. MAKE THAT CHANGe
The Operational Platform Underpinning Te Hikoi
Intervention - Prevention - Transformation - Restoration - Legacy
MAKE THAT CHANGE connects the processes supporting the FFF journey, from referral and intake through assessment, programme participation, review and transition.
It helps our team coordinate communication, record services and track progress across the five approaches, supporting continuity of care and informed decisions about each participant’s next steps.
3. The FFF PATHWAY
A Connection Journey Accountability, Growth and Contribution
Intervention - Prevention - Transformation - Restoration - Legacy
The journey begins with Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama, our behaviour change and parenting intervention programme.
Selected graduates may then continue into our Leadership to Employment pathway, encompassing Te Ara Whakamua, Te Ara Whakamana, Te Ara Whakaora and Te Ara Whakapapa.
Progression is guided by participants’ engagement, readiness, needs and circumstances. The five approaches continue to support the journey as appropriate.
4. Intervention
Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama
14-Week Behaviour Change and Parenting Intervention Programme
Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama supports fathers to take responsibility for harmful behaviour, understand its impact and develop safer ways of responding within their relationships and whanau.
Delivered through weekly, in-person sessions, the programme combines practical tools, reflection and accountability with cultural and spiritual grounding.
Weeks 1–5 — For the Man
Exploring identity, values, experiences, emotional responses and personal responsibility.
Weeks 6–8 — For the Husband/Partner
Developing respect, empathy and healthier communication while recognising the impact of harmful behaviour on partners and relationships.
Weeks 9–12 — For the Father
Strengthening the responsibility to be a safe, present, consistent and nurturing father.
Weeks 13–14 — My Journey of Success
Reflecting on learning, identifying progress and planning how to sustain change beyond graduation.
Graduation acknowledges commitment and progress, while recognising that lasting change must continue to be demonstrated through everyday behaviour.
5. Leadership to emloyment
6. The Wheel of Giving Back
8. Take the Next Step
Vocational, Educational and Employment Pathways
Prevention • Transformation • Restoration • Legacy
Our Leadership to Employment pathway supports selected graduates to build on their behaviour change journey and develop towards further learning, meaningful work and responsible contribution.
The pathway encompasses Te Ara Whakamua, Te Ara Whakamana, Te Ara Whakaora and Te Ara Whakapapa. Across these stages, participants strengthen leadership, practical capabilities and the personal foundations needed to pursue and sustain their goals.
Vocational, Educational and Employment opportunities are woven throughout the journey, according to each participant’s interests, readiness and circumstances.
Vocational Pathways
Exploring practical skills, trades, industry training and apprenticeship opportunities connected to participants’ strengths and interests.
Educational Pathways
Supporting a return to learning, further study, qualifications and professional development that expand future opportunities.
Employment Pathways
Strengthening work readiness, recognising transferable skills, preparing for applications and interviews, and supporting progress towards suitable, sustainable employment.
Stage One — Te Ara Whakamua
Prevention | Building Foundations for Leadership
14-Week Programme
Participants consolidate their learning and strengthen confidence, communication, teamwork and personal accountability. They explore responsible leadership, identify future goals and begin planning the steps needed to pursue vocational, educational and employment opportunities.
Stage Two — Te Ara Whakamana
Transformation | Developing Capability and Contribution
14-Week Programme
Participants deepen their understanding of identity, purpose and responsible influence. Practical learning and appropriate opportunities to contribute help strengthen transferable skills, work habits and readiness for further training, education and employment.
Selected participants may gain experience through supervised volunteering or approved responsibilities, supported by clear expectations, training and supervision.
Stage Three — Te Ara Whakaora
Restoration | Strengthening Stability and Sustaining Progress
14-Week Programme
Participants continue strengthening the personal, relational and practical foundations needed to sustain their progress.
This stage supports ongoing accountability and the ability to navigate challenges while balancing whānau responsibilities with learning, work and community contribution. Restoration respects safety, boundaries and the choices of those affected by harm.
Stage Four — Te Ara Whakapapa
Legacy | Carrying Change Forward
Legacy is expressed through consistent behaviour and the example participants set within their whānau, workplaces and communities.
Men carry their learning forward as fathers, learners, workers and contributors, strengthening the foundations for future generations. Selected participants may also contribute through approved mentoring, volunteering or leadership roles, according to their readiness and the requirements of each role.
PLACE LEADERSHIP TEAM PHOTOGRAPH HERE
Place a short, verified graduate story beneath the photograph, showing how the pathway has supported learning, practical experience or employment progress.
Staying Connected Through Alumni and Contribution
Our alumni connections provide opportunities for graduates to remain connected, reflect on progress and continue practising accountability.
Gatherings, alumni breakfasts and ongoing relationships help sustain connection beyond programme participation. For selected graduates, approved opportunities to support others may become part of their continued development.
Participant → Graduate → Leader → Mentor → Contributor → Legacy-builder
Giving back takes different forms. It may mean being a safe and consistent father, contributing responsibly at work, supporting peers or undertaking an approved community role.
7. Our commitment
Accountability, Whanau Safety and Lasting Change
Fathers For Families is guided by manaakitanga, whakapapa, integrity, courage, transformation and aroha.
Our work draws on lived experience, biblical principles, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an understanding of trauma, while maintaining personal responsibility for harmful behaviour and a clear focus on tamariki and whanau safety.
We walk alongside fathers as they work to stop harm, strengthen fatherhood and demonstrate change through consistent action over time.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, referring a father or exploring a partnership with Fathers For Families, our team welcomes a conversation about the next step.
14-Week transformational Journey
At Fathers For Families, we believe in the power of fathers to transform their families and communities by breaking cycles of violence and fostering healthy, loving relationships.
Our 14-week Family Violence Intervention Programme is a carefully designed journey that empowers men to embrace their roles as individuals, partners, and parents.
For The Man
Week 1-5
This foundational phase focuses on self-awareness and personal accountability. Participants explore their identity, values, and the impact of their behaviour on others.
For The husband
Week 6-8
This phase helps men strengthen their partnerships by fostering mutual respect, empathy, and healthy communication.
For The father
Week 9-13
The final phase empowers men to embrace their role as kaitiaki (guardians) within their whānau, focusing on their responsibilities as fathers and role models.
Week 14
MY JOURNEY
This week’s focus is reflecting on personal growth, achievements and celebrating participant’s progress to graduate one’s journey of self-discovery.
Graduate Programmes
Graduate programs are for men who have completed ‘Te ARA POUTAMA o Te MATUA MARAMA’ and are looking for continued ongoing support.
gYM gROUPS
Every Wednesday morning,
We come together not just to work out, but to build strength, resilience and unity. Our gym sessions are more than just a routine, they are a testament to our commitment to health, well-being and each other.
Why We Do This:
For Our Health: Each session is a step towards a healthier, stronger version of ourselves. We push our limits, knowing that every drop of sweat brings us closer to our fitness goals.
For Our Team: Working out together fosters camaraderie and support. We cheer each other on, celebrate our progress and lift each other up when the going gets tough.
For Our Mindset: Physical activity boosts our mood, sharpens our focus and prepares us to tackle the challenges of the day with renewed energy and positivity.
pEER sUPPORT gROUP
Hey Graduates!
Welcome to our Monday evening peer support group! This is your space to connect, share, and grow together as we navigate the exciting and sometimes challenging journey post-graduation. Whether you're starting a new job, exploring further studies, or figuring out your next steps, this group is here to support you.
Feel free to share your thoughts, concerns, and triumphs in this judgment-free zone. Meet fellow graduates, exchange ideas, and build connections that can help you in your personal and professional life. Gain insights from others' experiences, learn new strategies, and find inspiration to tackle your goals.
Remember, you're not alone. Every graduate faces challenges, and together, we can overcome them. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and let's cheer each other on!
So, grab a cup of coffee, bring your thoughts, and let's make Monday evenings a time for growth, support, and connection. We can't wait to see you there!
wALK THAT tALK
Every Tuesday & Thursday morning,
This is your chance to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with others in a relaxed and friendly environment. Whether you're looking to clear your mind, have meaningful conversations, or simply enjoy a stroll, this group is here for you.
Join us for a refreshing walk where you can share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. It's a great way to meet new people, build connections, and support each other while staying active. Our walks are designed to promote well-being, both physically and mentally.
Remember, every step counts. Walking together not only boosts our health but also strengthens our community. Let's encourage each other, celebrate our progress, and make each walk a memorable experience.
So, lace up your walking shoes, bring your enthusiasm, and let's make our Walk & Talk sessions a time for connection, support, and rejuvenation. We look forward to walking with you!
aLUMNI COHORT
Hello Graduates!
Continue your journey and reconnect twice a year during breakfast with fellow graduates. These special gatherings are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of our shared experiences, growth, and the bonds we've formed. It's a time to reflect on our achievements, share our stories, and inspire each other as we move forward in our personal and professional lives.
Among us are a selected few who have chosen to give back by co-facilitating weekly groups and services. These dedicated individuals embody the spirit of community and support, helping to guide and uplift their peers. Their commitment to assisting the team is a testament to the power of connection and the impact we can have when we work together.
Whether through mentoring, sharing knowledge, or simply being there for one another, we all have a role to play in fostering a supportive and thriving community.
So, let's come together, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and celebrate the journey we've embarked on. Let's reconnect, recharge, and recommit to making a positive impact. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing this incredible journey together!
Court & Legal Support
As part of our commitment to walking alongside our Fathers on their journey of restoration, Fathers For Families offers support with legal processes where possible. This includes guidance and advocacy through Family Group Conferences (FGC), District Court matters, and related court proceedings. Where our team is unable to assist directly, we can connect fathers with trusted professionals and legal services through our wider support network.
LEADERSHIP TO EMPLOYMENT
FFF - LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fathers For Families – A New Chapter of Leadership
From participants to leaders. These men, graduates of our 14-week Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama programme as co-facilitators, have not only walked the path of transformation — they now step forward to guide others.
This graduation brought together 28 fathers and their whanau, standing in unity and making promises of accountability, growth, and change. Testimonies from partners, parents, and tamariki spoke of healing and restoration. Children clung to their fathers, families embraced as if lifelong friends, and three separate daily groups became one whānau.
Among them, three men now move into the second phase of our Leadership to Employment – Te Ara Whakamua. They will step into facilitation, leading their own weekly groups, and shaping the journey for others who have been tapped on the shoulder to rise.
Fathers For Families celebrates them all. Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new responsibility — to restore mana, build legacy, and stand as living examples of hope.
TEAM FACILITATORS - TEAM COMMUNITY REACH - TEAM HEALTH & WELLBEING
Te Ara Whakamua is our 14-week Leadership to Employment Programme designed as the next step for participants who have completed Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama. This kaupapa strengthens men to build confidence, leadership skills, and readiness for employment or further education. Through a mix of practical workshops, cultural grounding, and one-on-one support, men are empowered to take the next step in restoring their lives – not just as fathers, but as leaders within their whanau, workplace, and community.
LEADERSHIP TO EMPLOYMENT - training
TE ARA WHAKAMUA -
A PATH FORWARD
14-Week Prevention & Leadership Development Programme
Restoring Mana. Building Legacy.
Te Ara Whakamua is Fathers For Families’ (FFF) 14-week prevention and leadership development programme designed specifically for men who have successfully graduated from Te Ara Poutama o te Matua Mārama, our family violence intervention programme.
This next stage supports our tane to move beyond healing into leadership, strengthening identity, emotional maturity, relational intelligence, and future pathways. Te Ara Whakamua empowers fathers not only to maintain positive change but to step into roles of influence within whanau, workplaces, and communities.
The programme weaves together kaupapa Maori, Biblical leadership Principles, trauma-informed practices, and employment readiness into a cohesive journey of growth.