“Take time to be a Dad ... it's life changing”
Welcome to the Father's Day 2008 web-pages. These pages support the work of a joint project between SKIP (Strategy for Kids; Information for Parents), The Warehouse and DIYFather.com that celebrates Fathers. This Father's Day the Ministry of Social Development's SKIP team wanted to find a way to celebrate all New Zealand dads. SKIP, The Warehouse and DIYFather made a good team as all three organisations strive to find ways to make a difference to families’ lives.
Father's Day 2008 - Information Explore the following links for ideas and inspiration for this Father's Day!
The Warehouse DC Dads
This is where The Warehouse Distribution Centre (DC) Dads project comes in. Over fifty dads from The Warehouse North Island Distribution Centre in South Auckland got together to talk about what it means to be a dad. Being a dad is great, but it can be hard work! There is no rule book or training manual so these dads shared stories, ideas, tips and photos about what it means to them to be a dad and to help other dads be the best fathers they can be.
Alfred Ngaro worked with the dads at the Warehouse North Island Distribution Centre. Alfred runs community based parenting projects in Auckland and he is also one of the faces of the “It's not OK” campaign.
"What an awesome opportunity for dads sharing with other dads their stories of fatherhood. This was a process of 'for dads by dads'. We wanted to move away from telling dads how to parent and instead share learning from everyday experiences; the good the bad and the ugly of fatherhood," says Alfred.
It was fantastic to see the dads get involved and talk about how becoming a dad had changed their lives, along with all the amazing things about being a dad, like seeing your baby smile. The guys also talked about how you have to become a man before you can be a good father, and sort out your feelings about your own dad. The result is a great booklet that celebrates all dads".
The Warehouse and SKIP
Ian Morrice CEO of the Warehouse is pleased to support this project: "As a Dad of three teenagers I’m well aware that fatherhood brings many great things to my life. But I know that it's not always easy."
"There's no training manual for the job! So it's good to know that initiatives like SKIP are there to help. The Warehouse is supporting SKIP to help New Zealand men be even better Dads. To celebrate Father's Day 2008 the DC Dads brochure will be distributed throughout every Warehouse store across the country from Wednesday 27 August through to Wednesday 10 September."
SKIP and DIYFather.com
DIYfather and 'Superdad' Eric Mooij knows exactly what it means to be a hero to his four kids: “It's about being there for them. You need to give them your time, be there when they need you. Let them know you will never be too far away. “Call me and I will come flying in!”
Eric has had 14 years experience – he is dad to Nastassja (14), Christian (13), Amber (12) and most recently baby girl Ava. Although he is not living with Nastassja, Christian and Amber full-time, he lives close by so he can see them lots and supports them every way he can.
“Being a dad is awesome – it's the biggest honour you can have”, says Eric. “Once you have kids it makes you look at the world differently. Before I had kids I was more reckless, but once I became a dad I was so much more aware of my actions and wanted to take on responsibility.”
Eric thinks it's an honour that DIYFather got involved in this collaborative project with SKIP and The Warehouse. “This DC Dads project is so fantastic – it was great to be able to include my photo”. Eric's earlier stories on DIYFather focused on his separation. Coming from a broken family himself and having relived this situation now with his own children, he works hard to be a positive role model.
“It's tough to remember – but, just because you stop being a partner, you don't stop being a parent. No matter how hard life can be, be the role model for your children; your strength and love will make the difference for you and your family.”
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Alfred Ngaro worked with the dads at the Warehouse North Island Distribution Centre. Alfred runs community based parenting projects in Auckland and he is also one of the faces of the 