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2024 Theme

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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.

Diagram

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. 

Monday

Connect/Me Whakawhanaunga

How will you connect with others today? 

Connect refers to making social connections, or whakawhanaungatanga. A sense of feeling connected, loved or belonging with others is strongly associated with better wellbeing and other health outcomes through providing a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Nurturing relationships with friends, whānau and work colleagues helps to enhance the benefits of connection and promote a deeper sense of unity and collective wellbeing. 

Here are some of the ways you can connect with others today: 


Social connection is the ngākau/heart of our wellbeing. It weaves us together, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. When we nurture meaningful connections with others, we uplift our own wellbeing. 

Tuesday

Give/Tukua

How will you give to others today? 

Give is about kindness, altruism, or generosity. Carrying out acts of kindness boosts our happiness, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. When we help others, it gives us purpose and a sense of belonging. Sharing acts of kindness and your time with others can strengthen relationships and create a ripple effect of positivity.  

Here are some of the ways you can give today: 


What better time than Mental Health Awareness Week to Top Up Together by doing something nice for your friends, whānau or colleagues?   

Wednesday

Be Active/Me Kori Tonu

What steps will you take toward being active today?  

Being active is not only important for our physical wellbeing, it’s also a powerful mood booster. Moving our tinana/body can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation and enhance overall mental resilience. Being active with whānau and friends can boost motivation, strengthen social bonds, and make physical activity more enjoyable. 

Here are some of the ways you can be active today: 


Being active can make us feel good, and it helps us feel connected with our communities. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood and increase feelings of happiness. 

Thursday

Take Notice/Me Aro Tonu

What will you take notice of today?  

Take Notice refers to the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be thought of as open and receptive attention to, and awareness of, what is occurring in the present moment. There is robust scientific evidence supporting mindfulness practice as beneficial to our hauora (mental, physical, spiritual, social/relationships). Practicing mindfulness with others can deepen connection and enhance our collective sense of wellbeing. 

Here are some of the ways you can take notice today: 


Top up your wellbeing by being present - use today as a reminder to pay more attention to the present moment, to your thoughts and feelings, and to others around you. 

Friday

Keep Learning/Me Ako Tonu

How will you keep learning today and beyond? 

Keep Learning refers to ‘exercising our mind’ – almost like taking our brain to the gym. Learning something new together with friends or whānau can boost motivation, enhance understanding and offer a sense of shared growth and discovery. 

Here are some of the ways you can keep learning today:  

Evidence suggests that learning or trying new things creates a sense of achievement, competence and stimulates engagement with the world around us.