Aucklanders debate significance of Father's Day

It’s been almost a century since the first Father's Day was celebrated in New Zealand, sparking off a yearly tradition of presents, family dinners and making dad a cup of coffee without protest.

But after 94 years, has this special day lost its significance in 2018? Those in Auckland’s Aotea Square today had mixed views on the family holiday.

Ed Nathan said Father’s Day wasn’t significant to him in the past, but has gained importance to him over the years.

“It’s significant to me because my father passed away. We never really celebrated it as a family but now it’s a time for me for remembrance.”

For young single mother Paris Walker-Wells, Father’s Day holds a different kind of significance to the traditional nuclear family.

Ms Walker-Wells said parent figures walk out on their children these days, so the day should be more for all parents and caregivers, rather than just for fathers.

“In this day and age parents, fathers especially, are walking out on their partners . . . it should be more of a parent’s day.”

Ms Walker-Wells said she has received gifts from her kids in the past and hoping they will again this weekend.

A parent to adult children, Mark Hutchison said the day is not relevant to him or even wider society anymore, calling it “just another day”.

Laughing, he said his kids haven’t recognised the day for years and he won’t be expecting anything this Sunday. “It’s more of a young person thing."

Daisy Butler, who won’t be spending this year with her dad, said the significance of the day was up to each person.

“For me, at different times in my life it’s really meant a lot and the other times it hasn’t meant so much. I think the opportunity is there for it to mean something if you want it to.”

Ms Butler said her gift to her dad was packaged and ready to go, “so we’re still celebrating but I can’t be with him”.

Self-described hands-on-dad-of-three, Robert Reinsfield, said both Father's and Mother’s days were still important in New Zealand.

“It still has significance for me as a father. I have three sons, the youngest is still at primary school and the oldest is at high school. I get pampered by my wife and the kids. They give me cards and presents so it’s still an acknowledgment as a dad.”

Mr Riensfield said this Sunday his family would probably be going to a cafe and spending some quality time together “It’s part of the family culture”