Sometimes you just get to stumble across a gem. I was doing a bit of research on protection orders and going through my big thick family law textbook from my law school days.  A protection order is a legal means to mitigate the incidences of familial violence (physical or psychological), pursuant to the Family Violence Act 2018.   

One particular piece of commentary that caught my eye came from a local Tauranga Family Court Judge:  

“availability … of supporters and mentors who can act as an outlet for angst in a more constructive manner”. 

This statement was seen as one of the “countervailing factors” (what is considered in opposition) during protection order deliberations.  

At Kidz Need Dadz we run weekly DadzKare peer-support meetings.  We also host a Zoom peer-support meeting every Thursday night that dads from all over the motu join to get support and mentoring in a group environment. 

If you or someone you know find the need to have that outlet for angst in a more constructive manner, our DadzKare meetings fit the bill. A parent who can manage frustration and angst is obviously beneficial to their children and wider community. 

Our meetings are also a platform for education, not only how the Family Court process works, but also to provide tools and strategies to avoid the common pitfalls. We also stress the importance of self-care as a means to get you through as unscathed as possible. 

Weekly support groups are held in Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Tauranga,  and Wellington.  Check the region for more information.

DadzKare Advocate