WildDad Code of Conduct
In this document, the word “father” also includes step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other male caregivers who are actively involved in a child’s life.
WildDad exists to help fathers build strong relationships with their children through shared adventure, time outdoors, and time with other dads.
We get outside.
We have adventures.
We build memories.
When dads and kids head out in their WildDad shirts or hoodies, it’s a way of saying:
- We’re proud to be doing this with our kids
- We care about being present, positive men in our children’s lives
- We’re part of a community that’s good for families
How we act reflects on all of us, so we aim to be the kind of dads that make other families think, “That looks awesome — I want to be part of that.”
WildDad is for fathers who are actively involved in a child’s life — including dads, step-dads, grandfathers, uncles, and male guardians.
It exists to give children quality time with the men who care about them, and to give dads a place to belong.
Because WildDad includes children, we operate to the highest standard of safety, respect, and responsibility.
By participating in any WildDad activity, Outpost, Adventure, event, or digital space, every father agrees to the following:
1. Parents Remain Fully Responsible for Their Own Children
WildDad is not a childcare or drop-off service.
At all times:
- Each father is fully responsible for the care, supervision, and behaviour of his own children
- Children must remain under the supervision of their own parent or guardian
- WildDad does not assume custody, supervision, or legal responsibility for any child
No child may be left at a WildDad activity without their parent present.
2. Child Safety Comes First
The safety and wellbeing of children is the highest priority.
All adults must:
- Treat every child with respect, patience, and dignity
- Use calm, appropriate language and behaviour
- Never shame, threaten, intimidate, manipulate, or humiliate a child
- Never use physical punishment, force, or aggressive behaviour
Any behaviour that puts a child at risk — physically, psychologically, or through boundary-crossing — is grounds for immediate removal.
3. Alcohol, Drugs & Intoxication
WildDad operates in two clearly defined spaces:
When children are present
There is zero tolerance for:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Misuse of prescription medication
- Any form of intoxication or impairment
No alcohol or drugs are permitted at any WildDad Outpost, Adventure, or event where children are present.
Anyone who arrives under the influence will be asked to leave immediately.
Dad-only Firepits
Firepits are adult-only spaces for fathers. Alcohol may be present at Firepits only, provided:
- No children are present
- Behaviour remains respectful and controlled
- Safety and conduct standards are maintained
WildDad Firepits are not party environments. Intoxication, aggression, or loss of control is not acceptable in any WildDad space.
4. Clear Adult Boundaries
WildDad is built on trust, visibility, and appropriate behaviour.
All adults must:
- Maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and verbal boundaries with all children
- Never use sexualised language, jokes, or comments
- Never engage in inappropriate physical contact
- Never seek or create secret or private relationships with any child
All interactions with children must be open, visible, and appropriate.
5. Keeping Children Safe from Harmful Situations
WildDad is designed to be a place where children are safe, supported, and protected — and where fathers can relax knowing they are in a trusted environment.
To ensure this, we have a few simple rules that protect everyone:
- No adult should spend private one-on-one time with another person’s child
- No private messaging, calling, or online contact between adults and children
- No gifts, favours, or special treatment for individual children
These guidelines are not about suspicion — they are about creating a space where nothing is hidden, everything is above board, and everyone is safe.
6. Transport & Custody
WildDad does not take responsibility for transporting children.
- No child may be transported by another adult without explicit permission from the child’s parent
- Parents are responsible for ensuring their child arrives and leaves safely
7. Respectful Conduct
All participants must behave in a way that creates a safe, positive environment.
This means:
- No bullying, harassment, or intimidation
- No aggression, threats, or violence
- No discriminatory, racist, or hateful language
- No behaviour that makes others feel unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable
We model the behaviour we want our children to learn.
8. Outdoor Safety & Tools
WildDad includes outdoor activities and practical skills.
- All safety instructions must be followed
- No reckless or dangerous behaviour is permitted
- Tools, knives, fires, or equipment may only be used safely and appropriately
- Weapons or threatening behaviour are not permitted
9. Photography, Privacy & Media
Children’s privacy must be respected.
- Do not photograph or record any child without permission
- Do not share images or stories of other people’s children online without permission
- WildDad may record or photograph activities for promotional or documentary purposes, and families will always be informed and given the option to opt out
10. Speak Up
If you see behaviour that concerns you or puts a child at risk, you must speak up or report it to WildDad leadership.
Silence allows harm.
WildDad protects children.
11. Mandatory Reporting
If there is any concern about abuse, neglect, or serious risk to a child, WildDad will report it to the appropriate authorities in line with New Zealand law.
Child safety always comes before loyalty or reputation.
12. Removal from WildDad
WildDad reserves the right to immediately remove any person from any activity, Outpost, or the community if:
- A child’s safety is at risk
- This Code of Conduct is breached
- Behaviour is unsafe, inappropriate, or damaging to the group
- No debate is required when safety is involved.