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2024 Theme

Community is... what we create together.

There’s no denying that the past few years have been challenging for Aotearoa, with extreme weather events, rising costs, and political divides affecting us all.  

The Mental Health Foundation recently commissioned research to understand how Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent weather events impacted people’s wellbeing. Over 1,500 New Zealanders from affected regions revealed a clear theme: community is the key to getting through tough times.

Community looks different for everyone  —  that's the beauty of it. It’s about connecting with others to create something together. This MHAW, we’re encouraging the people of Aotearoa to define, build, and celebrate their communities.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.  
With your food basket and mine, the people will flourish. 

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About MHAW

MHAW is run annually by the Mental Health Foundation and has been since 1993. MHAW is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and is marked in over 150 countries at different times of the year. 

While MHAW is an annual campaign, it is also a gentle reminder to actively prioritise and nurture our mental health beyond the week itself. We believe that people should connect with and tautoko/support each other, while continuing the kōrero about mental health and wellbeing year-round.


What is mental health and wellbeing?

We all have mental health. It’s a taonga/treasure, something to look after so we can lead our best and most fulfilling lives.

The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as “a state in which every individual realises their own potential; can cope with the normal stresses of life; can work productively and fruitfully; and is able to make a contribution to their community”.

Put simply, wellbeing is about how we feel, and how we function day-to-day.

At least It’s important to remember that with the right tautoko/support, many people can and do recover or live well.

Wellbeing isn’t just for people who haven’t experienced mental distress or illness —  it’s for everyone.

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Good wellbeing doesn’t happen by accident, it needs nurturing and protecting. Strong social connections are essential for our life satisfaction and overall health, which is why being part of a community can provide us with a sense of belonging, purpose and connectedness. Join us this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power of community in uplifting our collective wellbeing. 

Manaaki Monday

RĀHINA | MONDAY

Start the week off with an act of kindness. On the first day of MHAW, take some time out of your day to help someone in a small but meaningful way. Even one simple thing, like carrying groceries or holding a door open for a stranger, can create a chain reaction of kindness that uplifts the whole community.

Ideas for how you can help someone today:

Tautoko Tuesday

RĀTŪ | TUESDAY

It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our local businesses and organisations over the past few years. Today, we encourage you to tautoko/support an independent merchant or community organisation. Why not purchase a small gift for a friend from a local creator, or post about an awesome business or community group on social media? A little tautoko can go a long way in difficult times.

To support a small neighbourhood business or community organisation today, you could:

Whānau Wednesday

RĀAPA | WEDNESDAY

We’ve made it to the middle of the week!

Feeling connected to others is strongly associated with better wellbeing, because it gives us a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Give yourself — and your loved ones — a mid-week boost, by reaching out to a friend or whānau member you would like to catch up with.

You could connect with the important people in your life today, by:

Tūhono Thursday

RĀPARE | THURSDAY

As we move closer to the weekend, find some time in your day to connect with someone in your community that you don’t usually talk to. Introduce yourself to a neighbour, a parent at your child’s school, or someone at your local café . Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. 

To get to know someone new in your community today, you could:

Whakawhetai Friday

RĀMERE | FRIDAY

What better way to finish off the week, than by saying thank you to someone in your community? Spread some good vibes by showing your gratitude today  it could be to the courier driver, to a local volunteer, or to a workmate or neighbour…anyone who helps make your community what it is. 

You could express gratitude to those in your community today, by: