One group is working with boys to develop into responsible young men, and seeing positive results. 

ICONZ is a programme run with Boys Brigade, an organisation birthed in Scotland in 1883 and came to New Zealand a few years later.

Boys Brigade is designed for boys to reach their potential as men with mentoring and Christian values.

ICONZ and Boys Brigade South Island Development Manager Warwick Tomlinson works with two local volunteers and says the programme is seeing positive results. 

“In Central Otago, Specifically Alexandra, I run a program called 'ICONZ Edge' with volunteers that works with year 5-6 boys who are deemed 'at-risk'. 

“This means many things and boys are selected for the program in consultation with school principals and staff, based on the requirements of the boys. 

“We are in schools during school time and on school grounds. 

“It’s a Mens Shed type arrangement where we discuss issues around bullying, conflict resolution, self esteem and making positive decisions, while building projects using repurposed wooden pallets.”

ICONZ and Boys Brigade South Island Development Manager Warwick Tomlinson works with young boys to build interpersonal skills and resilience. 

Warwick says the programme sends its sincere thanks to Central Lakes Trust for their funding and support and wants the word sent out that they are always looking for volunteers. 

“We are always looking for more volunteers to help and also looking to employ a part-time regional facilitator to run the program in the wider Central area,” Warwick says. 

“Our volunteers get to share their life experience and skill sets in a wide range of mentoring situations. experience in building or DIY is not required as we supply all training and tools.”

Warwick says he would love to see a community group set up in a local church that would give the boys something to do once a week. 

“Also, we have a view to run the existing program within all schools in the central area for boys that need it but for that we need more volunteers who have about 3.5 hours during a school day and community funding as well.”

Boys Brigade aims to build camaraderie, skills for life, respect and a love for learning with a badge system that can lead to a Queens badge presented at Government House by the Governor-General. 

“It is Christian based but only in weekly community groups as we are restricted in secular schools to what we can do,” Warwick says. 

“We believe that boys are worthwhile and also a huge part of the community and in this era need to be all they can be.”

Boys Brigade currently runs their programme with selected schools such as Clyde, Alexandra Primary, St Gerards, The Terrace, Omakau and Poolburn but don't have a weekly church based program as of yet.

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