Masculine Vitality Experience: April 2025
Photography by Dane Scott Creative
The Masculine Vitality Experience was the first official BROS weekend gathering. After weeks of preparation, we welcomed 30 brothers from across Aotearoa & Australia to join us on the grounds of Mangaroa Farms, for 3 days of brotherhood, vitality and connection. Put simply, this experience sat at the crossroads of Outward Bound and a wellness retreat, for the modern man.
The final check out circle.
We created this experience to explore the depth of what is possible when 30 men gather together with a shared intention. Fuelled by locally produced organic kai, based in a world-class location & outdoor playground, gathered around the warm hearth of brotherhood, 30 willing men created a collective transformation and forged bonds for life. Over the last 5+ years of doing this work, we had not yet reached this kind of depth and scale we had on this weekend.
Blending a mix of nature adventure, ancient rituals, purification processes, and classic kiwi brotherhood, this weekend held an energy that was grounded in the sacred, and yet full of laughter, and tears. It was evident in this energetic balance that our work as men is not to externalise spirit outside of ourselves, but to bring it back home to our beings, our hearts, and remember that life is about joy and connection with each other and the beautiful planet we call home.
“This weekend was an incredible opportunity to connect in a real, deep and rich way. Opening pathways between my head and heart.”
— John Vissers, Big Black Boar
As each hour passed, as new bonds were formed, the encouragement from one man transformed the will of another, which opened the heart of the next. Steadily the collective relaxed into themselves, masks fell away, anxiety was released, and man’s true nature emerged. Anger, sadness, joy, fear and awe were all present in the ever-changing faces of the men. All welcome. All embraced.
The element of fire was deeply present with us over the weekend, and the home fire (see below) always remained lit. Many fires were sparked across the whenua - some in the depths of the forest, another, a hearth to heat the grandfather stones, another to beat drums late into the night, and more for the welcoming, closing, and burning of offerings.
In the words of Uncle John, our project discovered its true essence — to bring more men around fires.
To make fires, timber is necessary. Logs, cut and split by the hands of men. It’s simple work, but not small work. A man must take up the axe, read the grain of the wood, steady his stance, and commit. He must prepare. Then, when the fire is lit, he must return to it. Watch it. Feed it. Tend it.
There’s something ancient in this rhythm — chop wood, carry water. The quote often attributed to the Buddha reminds us:
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water”
- Buddha
The tasks don’t change. The difference is in the presence we bring to them. The sacredness we begin to see in the ordinary.
So it is with fire.
Chopping wood becomes a metaphor for service — not flashy, not loud, but necessary. Making fire is a quiet act of love. A way to say: I’ve got you. To build warmth. To hold space. To prepare for those who will gather.
This is the invitation for men today. Not to seek glory, but to serve. To provide shelter, warmth, and safety — not only in the physical world, but emotionally, relationally, spiritually.
When more men are around more fires, as Uncle John said, something shifts. We slow down. We listen. We remember who we are.
Fire becomes the teacher. Wood becomes the offering.
And the man, simply, becomes present.
“There are not many men’s circles or gatherings that combine a diverse group of men, and layer in connection to nature, to body, to sound, to ceremony, to intuition, to medicines, while also encouraging action and grounded community service. BROS has all of that, and so much more.”
— Shay Wright
As we embraced the wisdom of our Elders, our Uncles, we were reminded of man’s deep desire to serve. Not for recognition, but because it is necessary in the journey of life for true fulfillment. To give back to our whānau, our communities, to Papatūānuku — to something greater than ourselves.
Our Elders, the grey haired and grey beards guided us into this awareness. Men who’ve walked the longer road and carry both the scars and stories of the journey. They showed us that true service comes not from perfection, but from presence.
In their company, we were invited to slow down. To feel. To ask: What is mine to carry? What is mine to give?
Service, we remembered, isn’t about doing more — it’s about being more. Being grounded. Being kind. Being a man who tends to the fire, who offers warmth, who shows up.
Dave Lewis, Papa D
Todd Flashman, New Spirit
John Vissers, Big Black Boar
We pay deep respects and gratitude to Mangaroa Farms & Biome Trust for providing the foundation for our community to thrive. The incredible location, the organically grown kai, and the wrap-around support has been deep and rich soil for the roots of the BROS kaupapa to grow deep.
Another gratitude goes out to our keystone sponsors Bio Gold & Equil whom provided both Pine Pollen tinctures and 5HTP sleep/mood support for the men after the event.
Additional sponsors included:
Rene’s Kombucha, Mitchells, Seleno Health, Homegrown Primal, Good Buzz & more.
Big gratitude to the following for their awesome contributions to make the weekend a success:
Kai Kings: Benjamin Jackson & Raniera
Elders: John Vissers, Dave Lewis (Papa D) and Todd Flashman
Media: Dane Scott & Billy Lewis
Health & Safety Man, Tom Buhr
Australian Contingent: Ben Grover & Sean Peiwa-Takarangi
Carl Meyer
To the thirty brave and committed men who travelled from far and wide to join us around the fire. Thank you for your participation, your willingness, and depth.
To all of those in our lives who embraced the sacrifice for letting these men go and do good work together. To all of the partners, wives, children, colleagues and beyond - Thank you.
Finally, to the infinite organising power of the divine creator.
Truly, Love is the Highest Ruler.
Until next time,
B R O S
Ben & rani - Kai Kings
Carl Meyer, BioGold
