Baypark is hosting a powerful event to talk about men's mental health and to raise funds for a local foundation.

‘Defining Moments: Breaking Down Barriers’ is a fundraising event for our local Graeme Dingle Foundation, taking place at Mercury Baypark on February 24 at 7pm.

“We have inspirational guest speakers, including Todd Muller, who will share his powerful story about overcoming depression and his exit from politics,” says self-leadership, mind-set, life and business coach Steffi August.

“Our aim is to inspire men to attend and hear Todd's story, emphasising that it's okay to speak up and ask for help.

“This event aims to inspire our beautiful community to fully embrace life, recognizing the privilege of living in paradise.

“We have fantastic raffle prizes, such as a weekend away at a retreat near Auckland, and much more.”

“The funds raised through our raffle ticket prizes will contribute to supporting our local Graeme Dingle Foundation.

“Expect bubbles upon arrival, brilliant goody bags, live music—a perfect date night for everyone to connect with our amazing community.”

This event is an opportunity to raise awareness about the incredible work carried out by the Graeme Dingle Foundation, emphasizing that help is available, and we don't have to navigate challenges alone.

The crucial message of this event is to speak up.

“The suicide rate in men aged 55 and above is alarming, so we hope to have a diverse audience.  

“This event is not just a gathering; it's a fundraiser with fantastic raffle prizes generously sponsored by our local businesses.

“We've secured a weekend getaway for two at the Stargate Forest Retreat, just 55 minutes outside Auckland—an oasis within paradise for a tranquil escape into nature.

This event will feature an array of inspirational speakers, including one from Australia.

“One of our keynote speakers is Todd Muller.”

Todd has an emotional and inspirational story where his flourishing career took an unexpected turn with a health issue that forced a life-altering decision.

Todd ultimately had to decide to speak up and get help.

“Todd Muller has recently retired from politics after nine years as the local MP for the Bay of Plenty,” says Steffi.

“During this time Todd was select committee chair for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Opposition spokesperson for Climate Change, Oceans and Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

“He was briefly the Leader of the National Party and Leader of the Opposition in 2020.

“Todd is respected for raising awareness around facing mental health challenges when in a public role.

“He has been a part of the Tauranga community for over 50 years, is married to Michelle and they have three teenage children.

“The Graeme Dingle Foundation Western Bay of Plenty reaches 3,800 tamariki and rangatahi in 16 school communities each week.

“Through our programs Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator and Project K we help our young people to build self-belief and resilience, learn valuable life skills, overcome life's obstacles and build bright futures. 

“By supporting the Graeme Dingle Foundation, you are investing in our youth and giving them the tools to chart their own meaningful life, this also in turn has a positive impact on the wider community and the NZ economy (2019 info metrics report found that every $1 invested in the foundation's programs results in a $7.80 return on the NZ economy).

“We have a research team that evaluate the effectiveness of what we do so we know our programs are working.

“There is no greater testament to the success of our programs than the stories of our amazing young people.

“The team are doing an exceptional job steering troubled youth toward the right path in life, preventing them from falling into the system or ending up in prison,” says Steffi.

“It's all about prevention, and the positive ripple effect is truly remarkable.

“Encouraging men to speak up and seek help is of paramount importance.”

There is a reluctance to open up and ask for assistance, says Steffi.

“The challenge lies in societal expectations and norms, often shaped by toxic masculinity.

“The belief that vulnerability equates to weakness creates a barrier for men to express their struggles openly.

“By inspiring men to speak up, we aim to dismantle these harmful stereotypes and emphasise that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness.

“This shift in mindset not only fosters healthier individuals but also contributes to building a more compassionate and understanding community.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to prioritise their mental health without fear of judgment or perceived weakness.

For more information, visit www.steffiaugustcoaching.com/defining-moments