The Coromandel-based summit responds to 2024 findings showing 21% of Kiwi men avoid medical care when unwell, compounded by workplace cultures where males suffer twice the injury rate of women. Its programme blends indigenous wisdom with evidence-based practices including rongoa (Māori herbal medicine), cold water immersion, and forest therapy – approaches shown to reduce cortisol levels by 28% in international studies.

"We're facing a health catastrophe in New Zealand," says event organizer Carl Muir from Provider Men's Wellbeing. "Heart disease, mental health struggles, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and suicide are decimating our men. We are losing Tāne—good men with wisdom, brothers, fathers, sons—far too early. It's time for honest conversations about why this is happening and how we can turn the tide."