The programme aims to begin a rite of passage in which we encourage our young men to move towards becoming a good man by marking that distinct point in their lives. (The programme runs directly in line with the New Zealand PE/ Health curriculum).
Tu Tane is based around celebrating manhood; the process of becoming a good/great man. It is offering our boys the values, beliefs and personal growth that is often given lip service but which we (as a community, country) do little to address. It is telling our boys that it is okay to celebrate being a man and that there are a lot of positive ways to explore masculinity than many of the negative images created in the media and those which some elements of society would have us believe.
The programme is run with the support of the Gisborne Police. As well as their teacher,
each class will have a policeman as a mentor throughout the year.