Four courageous men are setting out to prove it’s “more manly” to open up, than bottle up and battle through.

For one night in October, four high-profile men will be telling their incredible stories around mental health at a fundraising initiative at Mount Maunganui.

During a fun evening full of laughs, and yes, vulnerability, Zane Munro, from 'For All The Brothers', Tui Tupou, Sean Weir and Kenrick Smith will open up and prove that, together, men can beat the statistics.

It’s the topic no one wants to talk about, says event organiser Cassandra Hogan.

“But, ironically, talking about it is the only way to flip the script on the taboo issues around men’s mental health.”

Simply titled he., the event taking place on October 13 at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club will showcase the four legends as they come together to break down the stigmas, and inspire others and prove that men don’t have to struggle on their own. 

“While there might not be a lot of rugby talk on the night, attendees of all genders, ages, sizes and race can expect to hear some amazing stories, eat delicious food, win exciting prizes and score a fantastic goodie bag,” says Cassandra.

Zane Munro:

One of Kiwibank’s Top 100 Inspirational Kiwis, Zane has been through hard times himself and has come out the other side. Now he aims to help as many people who are in a similar situation as possible.

His support group For All The Brothers has branches throughout Australia and New Zealand, and has over 40,000 followers on Instagram. So far, he’s definitely achieving his goal.

Tai Tupou: 

Former rugby league player Tai Tupou, who is representing charitable trust Last Chance Project, has been in the mental health industry for 12 years. He mentors and guides people towards the best possible pathways to keep them alive.

 Having spoken to more than 100,000 people across New Zealand about mental health, he knows a thing or two about creating safe spaces to share, heal and nurture.

Kenrick Smith: 

As a Mount Maunganui local, Kenrick started drawing in the sand to bring a sense of calm during lockdown. Now he helps others through Rake Healing, a mindfulness art that teaches meditative sand drawing. 

Sean Weir: 

Passionate about highlighting men’s mental health, Sean created the Shaka Project, an Australian mental health initiative which focuses on mateship, connection and brotherhood.

Cassandra Hogan

A psychology major, certified life coach and passionate mental health advocate, Cassandra Hogan wants to “be the change”.

The Papamoa local originally came up with the idea for he. when she realised her own male friends were silently struggling.

“Having lost many men in my life to suicide, and after learning the stats, I decided to do something about it and so created a night of sharing, laughing and realising that no matter what you’re going through, others really do have your back,” says Cassandra.

Cassandra says although Kiwi men report much lower rates of depression and anxiety than women, the grim reality behind that truth is that men still account for around three-quarters of suicides in NZ.

“In recent years, males aged 25 to 44 have been reported as having the highest suspected rate of suicide amongst all sex and age groups. 

The he. event will be held at Mount Maunganui Surf Club at 5.30pm on October 13, 2023.

All raised funds will go towards For All The Brothers and The Last Chance Project.

To purchase tickets, head to www.he-mensmentalhealth.nz

The organisation he. is running a men’s mental health event at Mount Maunganui Surf Club on October 13. Image: Supplied.