Celebrating men doing good

Rory Pardoe-Tucker

Two events this weekend offer the chance to hear two men share their journey of change and healing.

Rob Mokaraka's “Shot Bro – Confessions of a Depressed Bullet” plays at the Lawson Field Theatre on Saturday evening. The show is described as more than a show, but theatre for social change. Rob's real life fight with depression and a bullet is said to be “funny, dark, real and educational”.

Its aim is to provide a perspective on mental health and depression in a safe way.

On Sunday, also at the Lawson Field Theatre, is the Tairāwhiti Men of the Year event, with guest speaker Matt Brown, founder of My Father's Barber and author of “She is Not Your Rehab”.

The event is being hosted by Tauawhi Men's Centre, with support from Violence Free Tairāwhiti, Barnardos and Presbyterian Support East Coast, and once again celebrates men doing good in our community.

• Daryl Gowers – nominated by the Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society for his ongoing contribution to raising funds for the cause.

• Manny Kipa – co-director of Mauria Te Pono Whānau Oranga Trust, a whānau-led addictions recovery group.

• Jarred Maroney – nominated by Mates of Tairāwhiti, a workplace suicide prevention project, for his chairmanship and leadership of the kaupapa since its establishment in Tairāwhiti.

• Daniel Taylor – nominated by his wife Amanda for his support of her study journey to become a qualified social worker.

• Sonny Te Pairi – a local man who supports young men and boys in his neighbourhood, nominated by Zane Sarbour.

• Moetahi Kennedy – nominated by the Salvation Army, for his voluntary service to their foodbank, social services and other community events.

• Rory Pardoe-Tucker – Tauawhi Youth Award for pushing through his own challenges and taking on new things.

• Henare Walker – nominated by Tui Keenan for being the social impact he wants to see in his community.w

• Hear 4 U – a community-driven project to create change and increase awareness around men's mental health and suicide prevention, throughout Gisborne, Tairāwhiti and New Zealand.

Te Hamua Nikora returns as MC for this year's Men of the Year event.

Both events are free, but a koha is appreciated for Shot Bro. Light refreshments will be provided.