The Canterbury Men's Centre

The Canterbury Men's Centre is committed to promoting the well-being of men throughout Canterbury, with the ultimate goal of fostering happy and healthy lives for them.

Our efforts encompass a range of services and initiatives.

Welcome To The Counseling Centre 

Welcome to the counseling center! Upon entering, you'll find yourself in our reception area. Our friendly staff will greet you and assist in connecting you with your counselor.



Waiting Room

Our waiting rooms are warm comfortable, help yourself to coffee or tea we will not keep you waiting long. and then one of our councillors will collect you and proceed to one of our counselling rooms.

Free Resources

We offer a diverse selection of booklets and leaflets filled with valuable tips and hints to assist you in discovering the appropriate organisations and resources. Among these resources, our renowned publication, "The Bloke's Book," is available for download on our website or click here.


Counselling Match Maker - First Session FREE!

Book a consultation

Have a question? We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll get be in touch.

Anger Management Therapy: Our experienced therapists specialise in anger management therapy, offering effective strategies and support to help individuals manage their anger constructively.


Tailored Treatment: We understand that anger issues can vary, so our services cater to different needs, including therapy for teens and adults alike. We provide tailored treatment plans to address your specific concerns.


Online and In-Person Options: Whether you prefer the convenience of at-home counselling or the structure of in-person sessions, we offer both online and traditional counselling services to meet your preferences.


Cost-Effective Solutions: Managing anger shouldn't break the bank. We provide cost-effective counselling services, ensuring that quality therapy is accessible to everyone.


Interactive Courses and Workbooks: Our anger management classes and workbooks are designed to be engaging and practical, providing you with the tools and knowledge to overcome anger issues.



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    Supportive Group Sessions: Sometimes, sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges can be incredibly helpful. 


    We offer group counseling sessions where you can connect with others on a journey to anger management.


    Autism-Aware Counseling: We recognise the unique needs of individuals with autism. Our therapists are trained to provide specialized support to those on the autism spectrum dealing with anger management issues.


    Management Issues Test: Unsure if you need anger management counseling? 


    Take our management issues test to gain insight into your anger-related concerns.


    At our center, we believe in providing holistic support for anger management. 


    Our one-stop approach means you can access a range of services, including therapy, classes, and resources, all under one roof.


    Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our goal is to help you develop healthier ways of dealing with anger and achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life. 


    Contact us today to take the first step towards effective anger management.


Meet the Board Of Canterbury Mens Centre

Dennis Valentine 

(Co-Founder, Co-Chairman) 

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    Kia ora 

    My life is both enriched and challenged by 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great 

    grandchildren. 


    I have had a passion for working with and alongside men for over 35 years and am one of 

    the original trustees and inaugural chair of the Canterbury Men's Centre since its inception in 2007. 


    I am now mainly retired however my work life has been one of two halves. The first half 

    doing any job a young Kiwi bloke could find. 


    Forestry, truck driving, labouring, hammer hand, electric lineman and the list goes on. 

    My business experience included the establishment and operation of a Forestry Contracting Company employing 40-odd staff. 


    Following traumatic life experiences and retraining as a counsellor & social worker the 

    second half of my working career has been spent in both government and social service 

    sectors as an Adult Education Tutor, Facilitator of programmes within prisons,  Alcohol and 

    Drug Counsellor,. Stopping Violence Programme Facilitator,  Family Court Coordinator (Justice), Family Violence Response Coordinator (MSD), Family Court Mediation & counselling, Private Practice Counsellor / Relationship Counselling and a  Marriage / Funeral Celebrant.


    The committees I have served on include Oranga Tamariki (CYF) Care & Protection Panel, Domestic Violence Programme Approval Panel, Family Court Association, New Zealand Association of Counsellors Local committee, National Ethics and New Member Interview Panel and various other community committees. 


    I retain my passion and commitment for the Canterbury Men's Centre and the invaluable 

    service it provides to the community. 

     

Watene Hema (Co-Chair) 

Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa 

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    Watene is a descendant of Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa but was raised in the heart of Te Mahunua – The McKenzie country. 


    He is currently based in Ōtautahi where he works for New Zealand Māori Golf and Golf New Zealand. 


    Watene has also spent 7 years in the recreation sector across both local 

    government and regional sports trusts. 


    Watene is a strong advocate for 

    recreation and physical activity and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to 

    access recreational opportunities when and how they want to. 


    Watene is also a current board member of Recreation Aotearoa, a national body that 

    supports the recreation industry across Aotearoa. 

     

    Watene has been involved with the Canterbury Men's Centre since 2021 and 

    has a passion for the not-for-profit sector, and in particular, the kaupapa of CMC, which supports so many tāne across Waitaha.


Tā Mark Solomon (Trustee) 

NGĀI TAHU, NGATI KURĪ 


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    Tā Mark Solomon was born and raised in Christchurch where he lives there with his wife 

    Maria, their children and extended whānau. 


    Tā Mark served as Kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the tribal council of Ngāi Tahu, for approximately 18 years, from 1998 until December 2016. 


    In 2013, he was recognised as Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and Business. 


    He was previously deputy Chair of Canterbury District Health Board, and is also founding Chairman of the Māori Carbon Collective. 


    He is on Te Pukotahitanga, The Māori advisory group to the Government’s joint 

    venture on family violence and sexual violence. Tā Mark has been a strong advocate in Te 

    Waipounamu for Tū Pono: Te Mana Kaha o te Whānau, a whānau-driven movement that has 

    a focus to explore ways of enabling a stronger Māori response to reduce and eliminate 

    family harm/violence. More recently he was appointed to the steering group who provided 

    advice for the establishment of the Māori Health Authority. 



Victoria Hudson-Craig 

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    Originally from the UK, Victoria (Vickie) moved to New Zealand in 2015 for a 2 year career break and to travel.  


    Six months in to her trip she met her, now husband, Ryan and together they have a 6 year old daughter.  


    Vickie is a keen sailor, skier, enjoys camping and generally loves the outdoor life that 

    New Zealand has to offer. 


    Vickie was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in 2020 and has recently been actively involved in advocating for better treatment methods for New Zealanders across a range 

    of illnesses while raising awareness of Melanoma and the issues of unfunded medication. 

      

    Professionally, Vickie is a lawyer qualified in England & Wales as well as New Zealand and 

    predominately specialises in property (residential, agri and commercial) and private client work.  


    She is also a compliance officer and practice manager for her firm.  Originally qualifying in England 2004, 


    Vickie is an experienced lawyer who acts for a range of clients and enjoys the challenge that working in the law brings. 

      

    Vickie joined the CMC board in 2023 and was particularly drawn to the Centre for a number of reasons but predominately because she realised that when she was diagnosed with cancer there was very little support available for her husband and so felt that the Centre was an incredibly valuable asset for the mental health of many of the Christchurch community.  


    She also felt that she wanted to give to the community and a volunteer board role was a way to utilise her professional skills for a 

    greater purpose.  


    Vickie is also a board member of Naval Point Club and Coastguard Sumner. 

Joeseph Tyro 

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    Ka tiro ake au ki te mauka Te Poho o Tamatea ​

    e rere raro te awa Ōmaru​

    ki ka wai o Whakaraupō moana​

    ki te pā tūwatawata o Te Rāpaki o te Rakiwhakaputa ​

    tū mai te whare o Wheke  

    Kia ora koutou, He uri ahau nō Kāi Tahu, Te Atihaunui-a-Papārangi, Ngāti 

    Rangi. Ko Hohepa tōku ingoa. 


    Joseph was raised in Ohinehou (Lyttelton), a small port town close to his 

    grandfather’s papakāika te hāpu o Kāti Wheke. 


    Joseph currently works in a national role as the Principal Advisor Workforce for Te Aka Whai Ora. Joseph has previously held senior executive leadership roles, and for the past 25 years has worked in the iwi, hapu, health, tertiary education, and social service sectors. 


    One of Joseph's proudest achievements is the development of the Lyttelton Youth Centre as a 16-year-old, as a member of Lyttelton Youth Council, and is grateful to still be involved in this programme. Joseph is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and remains passionate about serving the community and being a change agent as a registered social worker. 


    Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa 

Adam Cox 

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    Adam was raised in Christchurch, where he lives with his wife and two young sons. Adam 

    enjoys spending time with his family, playing football, running, and listening to music.  

     

    Adam is an experienced lawyer. He is currently General Manager - Legal, Risk and Compliance at Consilium, a financial services company. 


    He previously worked as Senior Legal Counsel at a global travel technology company in London, where he spent five years. 


    Adam worked for a leading New Zealand law firm prior to his OE. 

     

    Through Adam's own experiences, he has a keen interest in men's welfare issues and its wider impact on families. This role is Adam's first board role. However, Adam has experience chairing an audit and risk committee, as company secretary and sits on two industry committees.  

     

    Adam has a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts (French and Political 

    Science) from the University of Canterbury. 

Niamh Buchanan 

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    Niamh has a background in research and strategy, having worked with agencies and corporates for many years in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. 


    She is also a health tech entrepreneur.  She lives in Christchurch with her husband and two children.  


    Part of her purpose is to give back by bringing her professional skills to committees and boards.  


    She started her voluntary board journey a few years ago by being vice-chair of her children's community preschool and now as a board member for CMC.  

Sarah Milne 

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    Born and raised in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Sarah has over 20 years of experience within the banking and finance industry. 


    When she is not diving into risk and governance she is writing children's books and spending time in the outdoors. 


    Sarah has a strong passion for ensuring there is increased space and focus for fostering 

    mens physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 


    Her role on the board is to assist the 

    organisation in carrying out its mission of happy and healthy lives for men, while ensuring the right strategic direction. 

Kris Cooper 

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    Kris Cooper is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and has worked as a Board member in non-profit organisations for more than 10 years. 


    Kris has a family of men: father, brother, partner and two adult children, and is aware of the need and support that can be provided by services of the sort offered by Canterbury Men’s Centre.  


    This motivated her to join the Board.  She welcomes working with colleagues to help provide for a Healthy, Happy Canterbury Tane.