June 2009.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 29).

This report describes a research project exploring how New Zealand non-resident fathers view managing a constructive pathway through separation from their ex-partner and maintaining contact with children. Data was gathered from 20 fathers living in Christchurch and Nelson. Participants attended two focus groups in which they reflected on their experiences during separation and discussed what assisted a positive process of separation and maintaining contact with children. The authors conclude that participants were generally unprepared for separation, and this often resulted in negative personal outcomes. A lack of support for participants created volatile situations, and there is a need for male-friendly services to support separating fathers. Finally, maintaining a connection with children required a more equitable negotiating base than that which exists at present.

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