I feel extremely privileged to be entering my third year as a Lads Without Labels Exec member (fourth if you count the failed first attempt). During this time I have watched our community come togehter to support asking for help, checking in, and redefining masculinity.

It has truly been life shaping. Looking to 2026, I am excited to see what the new members of our whānau bring, and how we can continue to make impactful change and have leave a meaningfully positive effect on our UC community and beyond.

In my role I will be focussing on the long term and external strategy for Lads. Where do we see our kaupapa in ten years? How can we use our resources to help more people? Can our peer support driven approach be adopted elsewhere? There are some big questions to answer, and lots happening in this space. I am very excited to once again be able to be part of this journey.

Strength isn’t just in how we stand tall, but in how we reach out.