Richie Hardcore is an educator and key note speaker. He specialises in tackling sensitive topics in a relatable way. He addresses topics such as pornography, masculinity, alcohol and drugs, healthy relationships, mental health and ending family and sexual violence.

He has a back ground in alcohol and drug harm reduction, and is currently a board member and ambassador for White Ribbon New Zealand, a Ministry of Social Development “It’s Not Ok” team campaign champion and has worked with anti-domestic violence organisation Shine as a group facilitator.

He has spoken to thousands of students across New Zealand and Australia and has been a regular feature in the New Zealand media offering commentary and insight about these inter connected issues for many years.

Richie will be speaking about some of the outdated, socially taught stereotypes of masculinity and how they can shape boys development into manhood. Current research has shown that our boys are often struggling under the pressures of “being a real man” and this can lead to really negative outcomes. He will be talking about what some alternatives to the old narratives to help our boys have fuller, healthier and happier lives as they move through life.