What is a Rite of Passage?

In a traditional sense, a rite of passage marks a boy’s transition into adulthood by teaching him essential skills and knowledge.

We have carefully designed a programme that gives your boy the opportunity to experience life in a way that helps him become a grounded, responsible young man.

It’s the path of the Warrior
Knowing what you stand for, what you’re willing to protect, and who you’re becoming in the face of challenge.

It’s the path of the King
Steps into a deeper sense of purpose, service, and connection to something greater than himself.

It’s the path of the Lover
A man who develops connection and trust — the one who feels his emotions and understands them.

It’s the path of the Magician
He transforms chaos into order — the one who solves problems and turns difficulty into growth.

In traditional tribes, it has been the role of men to initiate boys, and women to initiate girls. To be held and witnessed by a community of men is a powerful experience that all boys deserve access to — and it’s our mission to provide that.

We offer two programmes: a fathers and sons weekend and a full immersive 5 day rite of passage.

Our mission.

Our mission is to make rites of passage a normal part of a boy’s development. We believe that every boy deserves access to a rite of passage, so we’re striving to provide that experience for every boy who wants it. Our vision is to have multiple rites of passage programmes across New Zealand, starting with Tauranga.

  • “Without a rite of passage, young men invent their own.”

    Michael Meade

  • "If we don’t initiate the young, they will burn down the village to feel the warmth."

    African proverb

  • “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

    Sir Edmund Hillary

  • “When a man has not been through his initiation, he tries to kill the king in himself, and this is dangerous for everyone around him.”

    Robert Bly

Our Programmes.

  • MARCH 27 - 29, 2026
    FRIDAY 6pm - Sun 4pm
    WAIHI BEACH - COROMANDEL

    This 2-night father–son experience invites fathers to step into the start of their son’s transformative journey.

    Together, fathers and sons will hike, cook, and build a temporary camp, learning teamwork, trust, and responsibility.

    Through on-land and water activities, reflective campfire discussions, and shared tasks, boys discover what it means to be seen, valued, uplifted and supported by a community of men.

    Father and Son - $360
    A boy coming on his own - $240

    Food, Accomodation and 3 extremely fun, adventurous and meaningful days together.

    Click here to find out more

  • Spring 2026 Dates TBA

    The Rite of Passage!

    Through a 5-day Rite of Passage fathers and their sons will experience adventure, team building, cooking, and shared responsibility, boys and their fathers/guardians develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

    Time alone in nature fosters self-reflection, while circles around the fire remind them they are not alone in their struggles. Guided by mentors and a group of heart-centred integral men, this journey helps each boy claim his place, his voice, and his aliveness.

    Father and Son - $1600
    A boy coming on his own - $880

    Food, Accomodation 5 extraordinary transformational days.

    A grounded, responsible, good young man = priceless

    Click here to find out more

A black background with a white outline of a raised fist in the center.

Integrity

Line drawing of two hands clasped together.

Accessibility

Black and white illustration of four hands gripping a common object, symbolizing unity or teamwork.

Connection

Meet the Team

  • My name is Rutherford Greenslade, and I am a relationship coach working in private practice.

    Since 2020, I have facilitated transformative workshops and retreats for men reclaiming their truth, power, vulnerability, and aliveness. For as long as I can remember, it has been a dream to bring this body of work to young men.

    My own teenage years were full of painful initiations — bullying, betrayal, a broken family, and very little guidance from healthy male role models. I felt isolated, unseen, unsure how to navigate or express my inner world, and confused about what it meant to be a man. For me, this work is deeply personal.

    I am a huge lover of the outdoors, having lived more than half my life in the mountains or by the ocean. I flourish in adventure and meaningful human connection.

A man with wavy blond hair smiling in a warmly lit room, wearing a cream-colored sweater.

  • My academic background holds a Master’s Degree in Waldorf Education from the Freie Hochschule in Stuttgart, Germany, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Waikato.

    For the past three years, I’ve been involved in the Tracks program in Wainui Bay, which has been providing Rites of Passage for boys for over 22 years. My experience with Tracks has inspired me to continue this work in my home town, Tauranga.

    Over the past four years, I’ve been active in the business world, co-founding a franchise called The Sauna Project—a venture I’ve poured my heart and soul into. While I’ve loved being a part of growing that business, I’ve always known that my deeper calling lies in working with rites of passage.

    I’m passionate about life and love sharing that enthusiasm with others. I’m especially committed to helping men grow into their full potential whatever that may look like for them.

    Just recently, I’ve stepped into a new role in my life: becoming a father to my beautiful son, Sasha, who is now six months old.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this program intended for?

The program is aimed at boys aged 14–17 years old. We understand that some boys mature more quickly than others, so if you feel your son would benefit from this experience but falls outside the suggested age range, please reach out and let’s have a conversation. We don’t want anyone to miss out if they truly feel called to participate.

What is a “rite of passage” and why is it important?

A rite of passage marks a meaningful transition—from boyhood into a more conscious, grounded, and responsible stage of life. It’s a way to honour this transformation intentionally, offering challenge, support, and guidance from mature men and mentors. For many boys today, this vital experience is missing.

What will my involvement be as a parent?

Fathers or male caregivers will be invited to join the first weekend. This will give you the opportunity to connect with our work and gain insight into the changes your boy will be going through. There will also be opportunities to see your son off at the beginning and to welcome him back during the final rite of passage. These parts are community events, and your presence and support are deeply valued.

Why don’t more programs like this exist?

That’s the problem we are solving. We believe that every boy in New Zealand deserves the right to experience a rite of passage, as it’s such a crucial part of their development. There’s an old saying: “A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” This proverb refers to a boy’s connection to community. It has long been true that boys need to feel part of a brotherhood in order to become a man. What we provide is a healthy expression of that ancient aspect of our psychological development.

What changes will I see in my boy?

Your boy is on the path to adulthood, and change is inevitable. As a participant in our program, he will be guided and equipped with essential skills and insights to support him in becoming a grounded, responsible, and good young man. The big challenge after he goes through the Rite of Passage is how he lives into his new found self, this is where support from those closest to him becomes crucial, having good support around him will give him permission to try out this new version of himself.

How do I register or learn more?

You can register after our open day or by contacting us directly. We’d love to talk with you and answer any other questions you may have.