#FF22: A+W NZ Fathers' Forum 6 Dec 2022

Big thanks to our sponsor Moller Architects, with support from AUT.

The conversation was interesting and important, with a wide range of experiences shared by our three panelists - watch for audio snippets in our 2023 newsletters.

Rameka Alexander-Tu-inukuafe(Ngāpuhi) Architect, TOA Architects (previously Wingate, Tauranga, and Jasmax)

Rajan Hira Architect, Chow: Hill

Geoff Pitts Architect / Director, Assemblage Architects

The conversation was opened with a mihi whakatau by Pita Turei (Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Pāoa,Ngā Rauru Kiitahi), followed by an introduction by Wing Chan. The questions to the panel were posed by Lynda Simmons, after a short overview of the reasons behind this event series. After the panel discussion, there was an excellent interaction with the audience, before closing the forum by Pita Turei. The audience stayed on to continue their intense conversations and enjoy the catering, a sure sign that we should do this again.

All photographs by A+W NZ #FF22 organising team member Devyani Sethi;

By showing the profession and wider industry that the parenting conversation within the office should be shared across all genders, then hopefully a non-gendered policy becomes normalised.

You may think that on paper, every practice in Aotearoa NZ is doing well in terms of non-gendered parenting policies, however we know that in practice this is not occurring, and that part-time working weeks are heavily gendered towards women. The A+W NZ Fathers' Forum series shows examples of 'good practice' - of the men who work reduced hour weeks to look after their children.

It is very powerful to hear men who are architects and fathers say publicly that they reduced their working week hours to care for their child or children.

And the #FF22 panelists are three men who have said just that.

#FF22 Organising Team;

Lynda Simmons, Wing Chan, Devyani Sethi

The second in our A+W NZ Fathers' Forum series will be held on Tuesday 6 December 2022, at the AUT Building WZ Lobby 1 (Ground Level, St Pauls St).

A+W NZ want to normalise non-gendered Parental Leave and flexible and reduced-hours working weeks in the architecture profession, and we do this by holding conversations in public with male architects talking about the work involved in the care of their children. Who benefits from this shift of gender focus when discussing parenting;

1. The partners of the fathers (1). If the partners identify as female, they benefit from room being made for their own careers
2. The partners of the fathers (2). If the partners identify as male or gender-fluid, they benefit from having male parenting normalised in architectural offices
3. Fathers. Almost 50% of fathers want to spend more time with their families but are unable due to work barriers.
4. The children. Having fathers involved in parenting is better for the children.

This year, the panellists discussing how they make room for parenting, support for their partners' careers, and their own architectural career are;

Date: 6 December 2022

Time: 5:30-8:00pm

venue: AUT , Lobby 1 WZ Building

(St Pauls St)

cost: Free

Book now for catering purposes

Thank you to our wonderful FF Series sponsor, Moller Architects.

Thanks also to AUT for their ongoing support and provision of the excellent venue.

Read the media release by Waipapa Taumata Rau the University of Auckland on the upcoming #FF22 and A+W NZ receiving the Te Kahui Whaihanga NZIA John Sutherland Practice Award 2022.

words by Lynda Simmons