About Us
Mental Health Awareness Week is all about encouraging New Zealanders to check in on their wellbeing and support the mental health of the people around them.
Mental Health Awareness Week is recognised in more than 150 countries worldwide, and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has been running it here in Aotearoa since 1993.
With support from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the campaign aims to shine a light on positive mental health and encourage people to adopt simple, everyday actions that boost wellbeing.
Every year has a different theme, helping keep the campaign fresh, relevant, and aligned with the latest wellbeing research.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
In 2026, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is Belonging Matters.
Feeling like we belong is an important part of wellbeing. Research shows that having a strong sense of belonging can support our mental health and help us feel connected, supported, and able to cope with life's ups and downs.
At the same time, feeling disconnected or isolated can be tough. In recent years, loneliness has increased in Aotearoa New Zealand, and only 53% of New Zealanders agree their neighbourhood has a strong sense of community.1
At a time of growing loneliness,2 declining trust,13 and increasing social isolation,3 Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is focused on the importance of connection and community.
When people feel included and connected, wellbeing grows stronger. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong, and we all have a part to play in making that happen.
Small, everyday acts can make a real difference. Checking in on a mate, lending a hand, welcoming someone new, or simply taking time to connect can help people feel seen, valued, and supported.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage you to browse the resources on our website, organise an event at your school or workplace, create an event on our website, or think about simple ways to support the people around you.
Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au. I am you, and you are me.
1 Helen Clark Foundation. (2026). Social cohesion in New Zealand 2026. https://www.helenclark.foundation/social-cohesion.
2 Stats NZ. (2023). Wellbeing statistics: 2023. https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/wellbeing-statistics-2023/.
3 Edelman. (2026). Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report. https://www.edelman.com/trust/2026/trust-barometer
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