In a recent LinkedIn post, Dr Adam Harrison shares observations from the Good Man Wellness men’s circles, highlighting a growing engagement and the profound impact these spaces are having on attendees.
Dr Harrison’s post details how, over recent weeks, the circles in Merivale have primarily been attended by Māori men, with conversations frequently revolving around crucial life aspects such as family, marriage, fatherhood, separation, and the challenges of raising children in contemporary society.
“Over the past few weeks, Māori men have made up most of the attendees at the Good Man Wellness men’s circles in Merivale. And much of the conversation has centred around family, marriage, fatherhood, separation, pressure, and the realities of raising children in 2026.”
The Power of Safe and Respectful Environments
A key theme emerging from Dr Harrison’s reflections is the immediate willingness of men to open up when they encounter an environment that is perceived as safe, respectful, and free from judgment. This willingness to share, while not always perfect or instantaneous, is described as genuine.
As Dr Adam Harrison notes:
“What has struck me most is how quickly men are willing to open up when the environment feels safe, respectful, and free from judgement. Not perfectly. Not all at once. But genuinely.”
This observed openness underscores the fundamental human need for connection and understanding, particularly for men who may often feel societal pressure to carry burdens silently.
Expanding Reach and Impact
The Good Man Wellness circles are beginning to see their reach extend beyond the immediate local community. Dr Harrison mentions instances of men travelling from different areas, including Ōtūmoetai and Wellington, to participate. This expansion is viewed as a hopeful sign of the circles’ growing significance.
The initiative has now received permission to extend invitations to men across Tauranga, a development Dr Harrison deems important. He argues that:
“Because many men are carrying a great deal quietly. And sometimes, simply having a consistent space to talk, listen, connect, and feel understood can make more of a difference than people realise.”
This expansion signifies a recognition of the widespread need for such support systems. The circles, though currently small, are presented as an example of how significant positive change can often originate from humble beginnings.
Practical Information for Engagement
Dr Harrison also provided practical details for those interested in joining the Merivale circles. The sessions are held at the Merivale Community Centre every Wednesday from 10 am to 11 am and are free to attend. Currently, attendees can join without prior booking, though this may change as the circles grow.
According to Dr Adam Harrison, the initiative, while small, demonstrates a powerful principle:
“This is still small. But good things often start small.”
Further information about Good Man Wellness can be found on their website, www.goodmanwellness.co.nz.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Dr Adam Harrison on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 20, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →