Photo/Supplied.
AOTEAROA,
NEW ZEALAND – With one week to go until Mental
Health Awareness Week 2026 during 12–18 October, the
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) is calling on
people across the country to take simple, intentional steps
to foster connection in their everyday lives.
This
year’s theme, Belonging Matters, shines a light on
how small, regular moments of inclusion can reverse rising
loneliness and build stronger, more resilient
communities.
The call to action comes alongside
concerning research showing loneliness has increased over
the last decade. Over 572,000 adult New Zealanders now
experience regular loneliness. At the same time, rates of
mistrust are increasing with global data showing seven in
ten people feel hesitant to trust those with different
backgrounds or values. Yet recent findings show that New
Zealanders who report high levels of trust in others have
almost double the odds of enjoying good mental
wellbeing*.
“The evidence is clear — positive social
connection supports wellbeing and helps reduce stress. When
connection is missing, loneliness and isolation can become
serious risks to people’s health,” says MHF chief
executive, Shaun Robinson. “We don’t need massive,
overwhelming gestures to make a difference. A five-minute
kōrero with a friend, checking in on a workmate, or
inviting a new neighbour over for a cuppa can change
someone’s week and rebuild community trust.”
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The MHF
highlights that creating inclusive spaces is a shared
responsibility everyone can contribute to. Grounded in the
whakataukī Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au (I am you, and
you are me), the campaign invites all New Zealanders to see,
value, and look out for one another.
How to get
involved for Mental Health Awareness Week:
- Start
today by making time for a kōrero, checking in on a mate,
or reaching out to someone new in your neighbourhood. Access
free downloadable tools, posters, and ideas directly at mhaw.nz - Bring
the week to life in your workplace, school, or local
community by organising an event or running an activity that
builds connection. Public events can be listed on the
national campaign calendar on the website mhaw.nz - Celebrate
the small moments that build connection. Download the
Belonging Matters
social media stamp from mhaw.nz
and share a moment of connection or why belonging
matters to you. Tag @mhfnz and use
#mhawnz, so your story can inspire others
across Aotearoa.
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.
Key Data &
Insights
- High trust in others correlates
with nearly double the odds of good mental wellbeing (Te
Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission,
2026). - Over the last decade, regular loneliness
among NZ adults rose from 9.8% to 13.1%, impacting 572,000
people (Health NZ, 2025). - Loneliness is highest
among young adults aged 15–24 (Stats NZ,
2023). - Only 53% of New Zealanders feel a strong
sense of community in their local neighbourhood (Helen Clark
Foundation,
2026).
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