ReWild for Men
September 5th - 7th
Mana Retreat Centre Coromandel
Places from $ 464 (Early Bird rate) for Camping at Mana including everything, with possibilities of scholarship as well
A weekend for men offered by men who are curious to embody the map to wholeness (as described by Bill Plotkin). Using mythology, ritual, movement, music and wilderness we will embody the resources of the four archetypes of human wholeness, namely; The Wild Indigenous one, Soul Muse; Sacred Fool/Trickster/Innocent sage and the Nurturing Generative Adult.
Led by Jaime Howell and Elder Les Gray
Reclaiming Wholeness – A Men’s Retreat
The four facets of human wholeness offer powerful inner resources. Each one brings a unique gift.
Some men may need to reconnect with their wildness—to reclaim their power, to break free from the grip of conformity, and to feel the freedom of living from the body. Others may be craving creativity—a deeper, mythic conversation with the soul through art, dreams, and imagination.
Some are ready to strengthen their inner adult—the calm, grounded part that knows how to self-regulate and respond with care.
We work with the understanding that it’s often in our vulnerabilities that we discover the keys to our unique gifts—where our core wounds can become sacred wounds, pointing us toward purpose.
What the World Needs Now
Our communities are hungry for men who are doing the inner work—men willing to grow beyond old survival strategies and begin to mature the ego so that it can serve something larger than itself.
This is a long weekend for men ready to stretch—to move beyond their comfort zones and step into the possibility of what happens when we show up with courage, care, and curiosity.
For Men of All Walks of Life
This retreat is a powerful professional development opportunity for men who work with other men and boys—educators, mentors, facilitators—who want to deepen their understanding of the developmental needs at each life stage. See the Soulcentric Map on our homepage at www.centreforthegreatturning.org, based on the work of Bill Plotkin.
What you will get from this experience
A Clearing of Space to Hear Our Own Wisdom
We live in a world full of noise—voices with their own agendas and stories filling our heads. This retreat is a chance to quiet that noise, clear some space, and begin to listen more deeply to our own inner wisdom—the part of us that already knows.
ReWilding Is Not About Glorifying the Wild
REWILD isn't about glamorising wilderness. Nature is far older and wiser than our culture.
When we speak of "the wild," we’re pointing to the deep animal intelligence within us—our finely tuned instincts for wholeness and aliveness. When we reconnect with that, we discover resources we didn’t know we had.
The Power, Relief and Beauty of Doing This Work with Other Men
It’s healing to do this kind of work with other men—men who are learning to be honest, real, and authentic about their feelings, life stages, and struggles. Empowerment comes from authenticity. Being truly seen and heard—without judgment—by other men brings a kind of energy, clarity, and vitality that’s hard to find alone.
Real Change Happens Through the Body
As psychologist William James once said:
“There are many paths to wellness. You can change your emotions not just from the top down using reason, but also from the bottom up—by shifting your breath, moving your body, singing, dancing, or walking in nature.” In other words: Talk is cheap.
Anyone can talk—but real change happens in the body.
The Centre for the Great Turning is a registered charitable trust.
This retreat is led by Jaime Howell, founder and director, and producer of Animas events in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you’re wondering whether this rare and unique gathering is right for you, we recommend watching this video on Bill Plotkin’s work [link here].
Staying at the Beautiful
Mana Retreat Centre, Coromandel
Nature, the Sanctuary, Octagon, Sauna and more.
The price includes a delicious and bountiful lunch on the the Friday and the Sunday.
Introducing Jaime and Les (Guide and Elder)
About Jaime Howell
Jaime Howell has been guiding men’s work for over 15 years. He is the director of the Tracks Rites of Passage Programme, a long-standing member of a men’s group in the South Island, and a seasoned facilitator of men’s retreats, weekend gatherings, and professional development courses. He has studied with Bill Plotkin and the Animas Valley Institute, and he produces their events in Aotearoa New Zealand. Jaime has a special gift for helping men connect with their bodies—often through dance and movement—as a way to access deeper truth and vitality.
Driven by a passion for creativity, soul work, and ecological connection, Jaime is dedicated to developing maps and inquiries that support the growth of human wisdom, care, and creative expression—for the benefit of future generations and all life. He supports men in particular to awaken their ecological self—an innate sense of belonging to the natural world.
Jaime holds a Master’s Degree in Education. He’s also a poet, a blues guitarist, a student of mythology, and a new father. He lives in community and believes in honoring both the sacred and the ordinary.
He is a friend to shadow, a man who has been bruised and bumped by life—but who walks with an open heart. A peaceful warrior, committed to bringing the right kind of trouble to a world that is waking up.
Les Gray
Les began doing specifically Mens work in 1980 with the For Men collective, conducting a number of workshops around the north island. With that collective in 1984 he coconvened the first national hui to address men's violence to women and children. He went on to be one of the pioneers of Stopping Violence group programs, serving on the national executive committee founding Men for Nonviolence and in turn serving as convenor of that committee. Les was known to the Karaka Tribe and Jim Horton of the Tui Community in Golden Bay. Les has a long association with the Essentially Men community, serving as a trustee and as an Elder in the Pathways to Manhood programme. Within that context he developed a 7 day Pathways to Elderhood programme. Currently Les regularly attends Essentially Men events and co-facilitates an annual Old Blokes gathering
This is a new generation of mens work…it will be safe enough, involve your whole body/mind/soul, nature, music and movement and myth.
