International Men's Day (IMD) Ōtautahi Christchurch 2026

Haere mai, men of Ōtautahi Christchurch. You belong here.

For the third year running, a small local team of tāne is bringing International Men's Day to Ōtautahi Christchurch. This year, in association with Tāne Whai Ora: Canterbury Men's Centre, we're creating our biggest and most connective gathering yet.

Come for a free afternoon of facilitated workshops, honest kōrero (conversations), and the chance to build real connection with fellow tāne from across our city. Whether you've been in men's circles for years or have never walked into a room like this before, you are welcome here.

If you've been looking for deeper connection, a space to be real, or simply to spend an afternoon with good people, this is for you. Last year over 50 tāne with a 50-year age gap came together for the day. This year, we want to go further - it's up to us to make history and grow this movement of mutual belonging and support.

⏳ Schedule (approximately)

11:30-12:00 - Doors Open, Setup and Landing

12:00 - Karakia, Welcome, Introductions

12:30 - Group Session - Warmup & Activity

13:00 - 1st Breakout Session

14:00 - Tea & Snack Break

15:00 - 2nd Breakout Session

16:00 - 3rd Breakout Session

17:00-17:30 - Group Closing, Karakia, Cleanup

🍽 The on-site café Barista Binks will serve light meals (full details TBD), pastries, coffee, and drinks. We may call for a food truck if the group is large enough.

💪 Who we are

We're a small team of tāne rooted in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Bear Heart brought International Men's Day to the city first in 2024. This year, we have the backing of Tāne Whai Ora: Canterbury Men's Centre. Many of us run and attend regular men's gatherings, workshops, and we know what it means to finally find a room where you feel like yourself.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Interested in facilitating or volunteering? Fill out our expression of interest (EOI) form so our team can be connected with you.

🌈 Rainbow community tāne are tāne. Transgender tāne are tāne. You are welcome here.

International Men's Day is officially 19 November, which was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tabago.

We gather on the weekend closest to that date to make in-person gathering most accessible to all.

🎟 Free to attend. Please register so we can plan for everyone coming.

❓ FAQ

What should I bring? Bring an open mind; bring curiosity, and your full self.

When should I arrive? We begin setup at 11am, and doors open at 11:30am. We begin and do an opening karakia (incantation, prayer) together at 12 noon - arriving a bit early/on time helps us open the day as one group.

Can I help volunteer/facilitate? Āe, yes! Please fill our EOI form whether you wish to volunteer or facilitate.

Do I need to print my ticket? Nope. We can check you off by name, and your QR code can make it easier for our volunteers.

What if I'm not sure this is for me? We've shaped the day so you can participate at whatever level feels right. No pressure, no performance required. Show up as you are.

Can I walk in on the day? Please register in advance - it helps us plan for snacks and crew the event properly.

How much does it cost? It's free! Ngā mihi to Tāne Whai Ora: Canterbury Men's Centre

Got another pātai (question)? Email our team at imd@goodmen.nz