Our Foundation

Fathers For Families was registered as a charitable entity in August 2021, born from a profound commitment to strengthen fathers and their whānau (families) across Aotearoa New Zealand. We believe that empowered, supported, and resilient fathers are the cornerstone of thriving families and, by extension, healthier communities. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, culturally relevant support services that enable fathers to step into positive, active, and nurturing roles within their homes.

Our Origin Story

The initiative began as a subsidiary programme, passionately activated by Colleen Fakalogotoa and led by Dave Ringrose. It was founded on the clear vision of directly addressing family violence intervention by empowering the hearts of the home—fathers. What started as a focused 10-week programme has evolved through deep listening and community partnership into the robust initiative we are today.

Our Evolution: A 14-Week Journey of Transformation

Driven by feedback from our participants and community stakeholders, we recognized the need for a deeper, more sustained intervention to address the complex layers of personal healing, relationship dynamics, and intergenerational change. In 2024, our core programme expanded to a 14-week journey. This allows the necessary time and space for genuine reflection, skill-building, and lasting transformation.

Our Integrated Frameworks

Our programme's unique strength lies in its holistic integration of multiple frameworks, ensuring our approach resonates culturally, spiritually, and practically.

• Te Huringa o Te Ao (The Turning of the World): This framework guides personal and collective transformation, emphasising self-awareness, accountability, and reconnection to cultural identity as a foundation for change.

• Te Aorerekura: Our work aligns with the national strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence. We actively support its six key shifts, particularly focusing on mobilising community-led solutions and strengthening healing pathways for whānau.

• Biblical Principles: The Fruit of the Spirit: For those who find value in a spiritual dimension, this framework offers a compass for personal growth, character development, and fostering love, peace, patience, and kindness within family life.

Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Our entire practice is respectfully guided by the nine principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This is not a tick-box exercise but the living foundation of how we operate, ensuring our work contributes to healing and equity. These principles—including Partnership, Participation, Protection, Equity, Options, Active Protection, Redress, Self-determination, and Manaakitanga—inform how we collaborate with Māori communities, design our services, and honour the mana (inherent dignity) of every father and whānau we serve.

Our Vision for the Future

Fathers For Families is more than a programme; it is a growing movement dedicated to breaking cycles and building legacies. We are committed to continuous improvement, authentic community collaboration, and walking alongside fathers as they create the safe, nurturing, and loving environments their children deserve.

We invite you to join us in this vital work—whether as a participant, a supporter, or a partner. Together, we can strengthen the backbone of our whānau and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Our Work

Empowering fathers through culture and care.

14-Week Program

A journey blending Māori values with spiritual growth.

Whānau Focus

Building safe, nurturing family environments.