Men working in early childhood education in the Canterbury region of New Zealand have been meeting since 1995 to provide the mutual support necessary for those working as a minority culture.

In recent years we have been involved in weekend workshops which have given us the opportunity to explore issues which are of mutual interest. These are reflected in the link pages of this site, and the research involved has enabled us to share our new knowledge with our female colleagues,  improve our teaching skills and give support and understanding to fathers.

We would like to pay tribute to Anton Wartmann, 0ne of the first teachers to train in ECE in New Zealand (1978-9), for his invaluable help in establishing and maintaining this group over the years. Yes, we know you're only retired from the field, not dead, Anton, but  your depth of knowledge,  your enthusiasm, and your wonderful dry sense of humour is what created and has kept this local network alive. Also, thanks to Kidsfirst Kindergartens and NZEI for supporting some of our projects.

Our workshops usually take place in a rural location which provides the opportunity for some semi-adventurous expeditions to provide a break from the hard work. Accompanying us on every occasion is Pink Bunny, our wise, but reticent mascot.
To see images of our adventures with Pink Bunny                Click Here