When do you become a man? It’s one of the big questions we asked in the One for the Boys series. Turns out, there’s heaps of different answers and ways.

In this episode, we decided to do things a little differently and went to Raglan for Poutama Rites of Passage, a five-day ritual for young men immersed in Te Ao Māori. We follow Jack and Izak, both 14, on their journey. They talk about the difficulties they’ve had with their own fathers, and how that impacts what being a man is for them. We also hear from other men at Poutama on their own experiences. 

One For The Boys is a documentary, article and photo series about masculinity in Aotearoa today. We look at what it means to be a man, and how and why that’s changing. See here for more from One For The Boys. 

Made with the support of NZ on Air.

 

Where to get help:

  • 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
  • Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training. 
  • Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
  • OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community. 

 

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How young men struggle with body image pressures | One For The Boys | Ep 4