Dads celebrated their "neglected" role at a get-together in Auckland at the weekend.
About 30 people attended the first Fathers for Families Day in Aotea Square. The mainly men's and fathers' support groups who organised the event intend it to become an annual celebration providing support, information and entertainment.
"The day is about getting dads together with their kids and together with their families and having a good time," said John White, of Mt Wellington.
He is a member of the Just Dads group, whose aims include "putting the spirit and soul back into fatherhood."
Just Dads was set up to support fathers who spend a lot of time looking after their children, Mr White said.
"You get a bit isolated ... and the group gives us a chance to get together with other dads."
Mr White said the importance of fatherhood had been neglected. He urged dads to spend plenty of enjoyable time with their children. "It doesn't give them the right sort of values if their old man isn't around."
Salute to fatherhood unites dads and kids
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