Theme of Belonging Matters announced for 12-18
October
The Mental Health Foundation of New
Zealand (MHF) has announced the details for Mental Health
Awareness Week 2026, running nationwide from 12 – 18
October. This year’s theme, Belonging Matters,
invites schools, workplaces, and communities across Aotearoa
to focus on small, everyday moments of connection that
foster a genuine sense of inclusion and boost mental
wellbeing.
Grounded in the whakataukī Ko
au ko koe, ko koe ko au
– I am you, and you are me,
the 2026 theme comes at a crucial time. Recent research
highlights a growing challenge across Aotearoa of rising
loneliness1, declining trust2 and only 53% of New Zealanders
feeling that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of
community3. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week
champions a simple truth: nurturing a sense of belonging is
one of the most powerful protective factors for our mental
health.
“Humans are social beings and being able to
spend time with one another, connect and feel that we
belong, is vital for our mental and emotional health.
Connection works at many levels, whānau, friends,
workplaces, schools, community, country. It is a two-way
street, we need to reach out and we need to invite people
in. This all builds connectedness, belonging, trust and
wellbeing,” says Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of the
MHF.
Whether at school, work, or in local
neighbourhoods, finding small ways to connect can make a
world of difference. Belonging Matters because
feeling connected to others reduces loneliness, strengthens
self-confidence, and can provide valuable social support
during hard times. From checking in on a mate and making
time for a kōrero to reaching out to someone new, every
action helps build stronger, more resilient
communities.
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Free downloadable resources and ideas for
Mental Health Awareness Week are available now at mhaw.nz
The
details:
What: Mental
Health Awareness Week 2026 – Belonging
Matters
When: 12-18 October
2026
Where: Everywhere across
Aotearoa
Action: Reach out, kōrero,
connect, host an event for your school, workplace, or
community
About Mental Health Awareness
Week:
Mental Health Awareness Week has been run
annually by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
since 1993. It is a dedicated week for individuals, schools,
workplaces, and communities to celebrate and focus on mental
health and wellbeing. The campaign reaches hundreds of
thousands of people across Aotearoa each year, encouraging
positive mental health practices and fostering supportive
environments.
About the Mental Health
Foundation of New Zealand:
Established in 1977, the
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that
works towards creating a society free from discrimination,
where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing.
The Foundation delivers a wide range of evidence-based
mental health and wellbeing programmes, campaigns, and
resources for schools, workplaces, and communities across
Aotearoa.
Notes:
Research & insights
about belonging in Aotearoa
–
Community cohesion: Only 53% of New Zealanders
agree that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of
community.3
– Foundational to wellbeing:
A strong sense of belonging in schools, workplaces, and
communities is directly linked to better mental wellbeing,
including higher confidence, resilience, and life
satisfaction.
– Protective factor:
Social connection and community trust are recognised as some
of the strongest protective factors against mental distress
and loneliness.
– Impact of exclusion:
Experiences of exclusion have a direct negative impact on
wellbeing, particularly among rangatahi/young people, recent
migrants, sole parents, and rainbow
communities.
– Everyday connection:
International research shows that performing small, weekly
acts of connection and kindness in local neighbourhoods
significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and strengthens
community bonds.
– Collective responsibility:
Belonging and hope grow through safe, inclusive
shared experiences, trusted places, and collective
action.
References:
1. Stats NZ. (2023).
Wellbeing statistics: 2023.
2. Edelman. (2026).
Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report.
3. Helen
Clark Foundation. (2026). Social cohesion in New Zealand
2026.
Links available on
request
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