Many New Zealand men will fondly remember the days when they proudly sported a moustache. A time when mos were worn with pride as a symbol of strength and masculinity.  

Now you can once again wear a mo with pride thanks to Movember - the moustache growing charity event held during November each year to raise funds and awareness for men's health.

Last year 15,000 Kiwi men took part donating almost $ million for charity and 2009 looks to be even bigger!  This year's chosen charities are the Cancer Society of New Zealand in support of prostate cancer and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand in support of their "Out of the Blue" depression awareness campaign.

Leading men's hair stylist, Gareth Chitty, says it's interesting to see how the popularity of the mo has evolved over the years. "It's presence in society over the past century has definitely been variable but these days it seems to be dictated by what is perceived as fashionable and what the latest celebrities are wearing."

This short history shows how the mo has developed over the years in New Zealand.

1800's The moustache enjoyed its peak of popularity at this time and many men proudly sported beards, moustaches or sideburns. Many people during this period thought that a big bushy beard was a sign of virility.

Cultural and religious leanings during this century also commonly dictated whether men grew facial hair or not.

Early 1900's At the end of the 19^th Century, a more clean-shaven look grew more popular. The beard started to disappear and the moustache became more prominent with care being taken to achieve a more groomed look. This was made easier with safety razors becoming more wide-spread and accessible to the average consumer.

While in previous decades, facial hair was a sign of masculinity - soon the clean-shaven look was representative of the modern man. The times of the bush man were fading as more New Zealanders moved to the cities to become respectable urban dwellers.

1950's The end of the two World Wars signified a new step for the moustache in the fashion stakes. Personal hygiene and grooming became more important with both men and woman embraced shaving to achieve the hair free look. More men started to prefer a completely clean shave and moustache waned in popularity.

1970 - 1980 As the world entered the free loving 70's, the younger generation embraced the freedom the post-war era offered and fashion reflected this. Moustaches soon became more common-place again with many high-profile sportsmen including many members of the 1981 Soccer World Cup team proudly wearing them.

Popular gangster and kung-fu movies inspired new styles such as the ‘Fu Manchu' and pencil-thin Italian style which soon became popular.

2000 and Beyond By the time the 90's arrived, sightings of the mo were rare. Generation Y were much more influenced by fashion and popular culture although there were always a few older men preferring to keep their upper lip covered.

But the trend has almost come full-circle. Chitty says the in-look these days is to sport a few days worth of facial hair growth. "Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Colin Farrell and Robert Pattison all favour this style and their presence in the media has definitely helped to increase its popularity," he says.

"Many guys like this look as it gives a slightly rugged manly look but still appears that they take pride in their appearance and look after themselves. It's the look of the modern man.

"The mo has also found itself a place back in popular culture thanks to Movember and it's not uncommon to see many Kiwi men proudly sporting them in the name of charity," says Chitty.

Movember organiser Jim Slattery is putting the challenge out to all Kiwi men to participate in Movember this year and join the important fight to transform the face of men's health.  "Taking part in Movember is the perfect opportunity to get on board and support two fantastic charities," he says. "So make sure you and all your mates register today."

Movember is your chance to bring the Mo back, even if it is just for a month. To pre-register or find out more information, visit www.movember.co.nz