 Tracks became a Charitable Trust in 2002 when a group of men, comprising youth workers, leaders of men’s groups, counsellors, teachers, friends and fathers from all over the country, gathered together for a weekend to discuss how to recognise in our modern world the transition boys make as they pass through adolescence to adulthood. From these discussions Tracks was born, but that was just the beginning. Since then we have continued to host and develop our Rites of Passage Events (ROPE), which guide teenage boys and their families through a fully supported transition from young boy to a more independent young man. In conjunction with our community, trustees and facilitators, we continue to develop new ways to support men and women, and, in particular, young men and youth leaders. As our Tracks community grows we connect with more and more like-minded people around the world and are currently aiming to host Tracks events in the Auckland/Coromandel, Wellington and Canterbury regions. The Management Team:Jim Horton - Chairperson Now in his late sixties, Jim has spent the last eighteen years actively involved in men’s culture, which he has been involved in nurturing in NZ, as well in Australia, South Africa, Canada and the USA. Originally a dentist from England, Jim has lived in South Africa and Canada (where two of his sons were born) and has considered New Zealand his home for the last 20 years. It was while observing the adolescence of his five sons and step-sons, and children of other families in the intentional community around him, that led Jim to initiate Tracks. Jim’s personal journey with men’s work led him to the concept of ‘conscious mentoring’ and 'rites of passage' (initiation) over thirteen years ago. Since then, he has also become interested in the concept of 'eldership' in our modern society and how to create a generational men’s culture that supports the growth of healthy people. Jim is an active Trustee of the Tui Spiritual and Educational Trust and lives in the Tui Community, Golden Bay, with his partner Susan Jessie, his dog Maggie and a small herd of beef cattle. Adge Tucker - Manager Adge is grateful that for the past 19 years, youth work has been both his passion and his work. In that time he has been involved with many projects in England and in New Zealand. Adge currently chairs the Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Collective and is also involved with developing and promoting the sector and profession on a national level. The Tracks contemporary rites of passage model is one of the most potent and relevant approaches Adge has seen in terms of addressing the current needs of boys, young men, their families and communities. He feels that its ability to educate and empower young men with the necessary tools and awareness to navigate the ‘bridge of adolescence’, redefine their relationships and move out into the world as confident, responsible young adults is unique. To see young men realising their potential and standing strong with a sense of purpose and direction, ready to contribute to society is extremely rewarding and brings a sense of hope to our future. Adge feels privileged to be managing the organisation; he loves the work, the people and the place. His goals are to assist in the development of sustainable communities who support their future generations through effective and enjoyable rites of passage experiences. He also raises awareness of the organisation’s work, its relevance and effectiveness, right across the globe. Adge lives with his wife and three children in Golden Bay and loves this part of the South Island. Maria Koch - ManagerM.EnvStud, University of Adelaide  Maria feels privileged to work with and for Tracks, doing her part in ensuring the financial viability of this valuable work. In this she draws on a wealth of life and professional experiences, including a brief career as medical doctor in Germany and Australia, the completion of a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies in Australia, the publication of Golden Bay’s community newspaper, and office and accounts management for small to medium-sized businesses. While travelling and working overseas Maria has had the chance to immerse herself in a number of different cultures, which broadened her horizon immensely. Maria is the proud mother of twin daughters, who have now flown the nest, but have benefited greatly from growing up in Golden Bay. During their younger years, Maria was involved in a range of school initiatives, serving on the GBHS board of trustees for two terms. She feels very strongly about the importance of providing young people with the best possible opportunities for personal growth, and is grateful to have been invited to take part in the Tracks mission. Eric Zwaan - Coromandel Regional Co-ordinator Eric Zwaan was born in the Netherlands some 50 years ago and emigrated to New Zealand in 1982. He became involved in Tracks when he attended a ROPE programme with his son, Rick. He was somewhat reluctant and apprehensive, but within the first day was “completely blown away. Since then Eric has completed a Good Men Make Tracks (GMMT) event in Wellington and was unanimously voted Thames Northern Regional Co-ordinator at the National Council in March this year. For the last six months he has been committed to bringing Tracks events to the Northern region, making his farm available for Tracks events and gatherings and now focusing on developing the new piece of land Tracks is leasing for events in the Kauaeranga Valley. Eric and his wife Nancy live on an organic farm in the Kauaeranga Valley in their self-built cob home where they tend their organic market garden. He has two grown up daughters and a 17-year-old son. He enjoys the outdoors, sailing, tramping, skiing and kayaking. He is passionate about the environment and is a tireless supporter of any community initiative that seeks to improve it. He also plays a major role in bringing Transition Towns to Thames. Fraser Bruce – Coromandel Regional Support Fraser works to support the development of the Coromandel region. He is also a support worker for intellectually disabled men and women – a job that is as challenging as it is rewarding. He was initially drawn to Tracks by his desire to provide his boys with the best possible foundation to their life as men, and to hopefully avoid some of the mistakes and pain he experienced as a young man. Fraser traveled extensively overseas for eight years before settling in New Zealand’s Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames, with his wife Tomoko and two boys (Barnaby and Hugo), where he feels right at home. He describes the valley as a place: “where I can make my stand” and is turning the creative and supportive community around him to his advantage. He is passionate about growing a strong community to provide rites of passage for boys in his region. |
