KEY POINTS:
There were hundreds of blokes and plenty of laughs at a breakfast function held yesterday to encourage men in their roles as fathers.
More than 700 men attended the 13th annual Mayoral Fathers' Breakfast at the Aotea Centre, organised by the non-profit organisation Parents Inc.
Demand for the
event was so great that a second breakfast was held soon after, which attracted about 200 more men.
The men listened to several guest speakers talking about fatherhood - including former Wallaby Nick Farr-Jones - as they chowed down their bacon and eggs.
And there were plenty of chuckles as the various guest speakers recounted stories about fatherhood.
But underlying the humour (and countless references to the Rugby World Cup) was a serious message about the important role fathers play in their children's lives.
Farr-Jones, who has four children, said bringing up kids was hard work, but worth it. He emphasised the need for fathers to spend quality time with their children and to encourage them to do their best.
He praised the breakfast function but said men didn't always get enough support or advice about raising kids.
"You get a lot of corporate functions, you get people who tell you how to do business better, you can go to motivational type things but it's not often aligned to things like parenting. So there's not a lot out there and I think people need to be encouraged."
Parent Inc. chief executive officer Bruce Pilbrow said it was more important than ever for fathers to provide good role models for their children and be available to them.
He said there wasn't a lot of information out there for fathers, but forums like yesterday's enabled men to share stories in a fun, positive environment.
Guest speaker and entertainer Pio Terei, who has three sons, spoke of the need for fathers to be physically affectionate with their children and encourage them. "The biggest thing [my father] gave me were his words. He said, 'You are all right, you are good'. He would encourage me with his words. My message is to plant positive seeds in the heads of our children."
Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard kicked off his speech by condemning today's Boobs on Bikes parade down Queen St.
"It's Auckland's day of shame. Pornography is against family values, it's against what fathers should stand for," he said.
Father-of-two Ken Bailey, who won a cordless drill in a spot prize, described the breakfast function as excellent and praised the guest speakers.
"It's a great way to start the day. We need a lot more men to stand up and take charge."
Browns Bay resident Brian Davis, who has a young son and daughter, said it was good to listen to the speakers and get a different perspective on parenthood.
Other guest speakers included Saatchi & Saatchi chief executive officer Andrew Stone, the founder of Parents Inc Ian Grant, and writer and Parents Inc presenter John Cowan. Former NZRFU president and former Auckland Grammar principal John Graham was master of ceremonies.
