Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

19/02/2026

We’re proud to announce the seven recipients of the Top Up Community Grants 2025/2026 🎉

These community-led projects span Aotearoa and support wellbeing in practical, culturally grounded ways – from grassroots sport and mara kai, to inclusive movement, creative wānanga and whānau-centred care. Each kaupapa shows how small, everyday “top ups” can boost individual and collective wellbeing.

Swipe through to learn more about the funded projects, or click this link to find out more.💚
https://mentalhealth.org.nz/top-up-community-grants/top-up-community-grants-2025-2026-round-winners?hash=2jcyWRYrJl1f

18/02/2026

This morning, we delivered our child and youth mental health petition to the Minister for Mental Health.

Signed by almost 20,000 people, it wasn’t just a list of names — it was a call for change.

Maybe you signed. Maybe you were thinking of someone you love. Maybe you’ve lived this journey yourself 💜

Right now, young people experience the highest rates of mental health challenges in Aotearoa — yet still wait the longest for support. Together, we told the Minister: this can’t continue.

Want to stay updated on what happens next?
📩 Sign up to our e‑newsletter:
🔗 https://mentalhealth.org.nz/our-work/policy-and-advocacy/

18/02/2026

Need a simple activity to boost your wellbeing this summer? 🌞

Here is our Nature Bingo, which is full of easy, everyday ways to connect with nature - from spotting a manu/bird to feeling the grass under your feet.

Pick a square (or a few!), give it a go and see how good you feel.

Snap a pic 📸 of your favourite naturing moment and tag us so we can enjoy it too.

16/02/2026

When extreme weather unfolds around us, it can leave us feeling shaken, vulnerable and unsure what comes next. Shock, anxiety, frustration, numbness, exhaustion, these are all normal responses to scary and stressful events like natural disasters.

If you've been impacted by the recent weather events, here are a few gentle reminders you might like to hold close:

-Take it one day at a time. Focus on what needs to be done today, not next week.

-Stay connected. Check in on neighbours, friends and whānau, especially older people or those living alone.

-Follow official advice. Stay up to date with local Civil Defence guidance and weather alerts to keep yourself and your family safe.

-Limit news overload. Staying informed is important, but constant scrolling can heighten stress.

-Remember that everyone copes differently. There’s no "wrong" or "right" way to feel.

-Seek support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust, your GP, or a free helpline like 1737.

We’re thinking of all communities around Aotearoa doing it tough right now. You don’t have to carry this alone. ❤️

16/02/2026

Gratitude is powerful. Practicing it for just 75 minutes a week can transform your mental health - which is why 25,000 of us are doing 75 push-ups today, on day 11 of The Push-Up Challenge.

Our gratitude shoutout today goes to OnlineDistribution for matching $20,000 in donations last week. You’re the real MVPs! 🙌

Tell us: What's one thing you’re grateful for today?

13/02/2026

Over 25,000 legends around the motu are taking on 2,000 push-ups in 23 days for better mental health 💪, and today is Day 10. Tū meke!

Our mate and wellbeing mentor, Roisin Bennett, interrupted her hike at Lake Waikaremoana 🌿⛰️ to explain the importance of today’s push-up target of 120.

It’s valuable advice – whether you’re push-uppering or not! ✨🙌

Click the link in bio for more tips on how to connect with nature 🌏💚

13/02/2026

Want to find out more about the All-of-Population Su***de Prevention Community Fund or ask questions before you apply?

Join one of our free info webinars on 17 or 19 February.

We’ll walk through the Fund, explain what we’re looking for, and answer your questions live, a great chance to see if your idea is a good fit before applying.

Find the registration links here:

17th Feb 2026:https://bit.ly/4aubmWl
19th Feb 2026:https://bit.ly/4rMRNQ3

12/02/2026

Just a few days until the first Southern Cross Round the Bays event of the summer 🌞

Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, you're first up this Sunday! Then it's Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday 22 February, and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Sunday 8 March.

Good luck to everyone who is participating, especially those awesome humans who are using the event to fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. 🏃🏼‍♀️

11/02/2026

There’s less than a week left to sign our child and youth mental health petition!

We’re sitting at almost 16,000 signatures, so close to our goal of 20,000.
Can you help us get there by sharing this post on your feed?

Your share matters, and every signature makes a difference. For too long, children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand have been waiting for the mental health support they deserve. This is our chance to stand with them and call for urgent change.

👉 Sign and share here: sign.mentalhealth.org.nz

💛 Thank you for backing young New Zealanders.

11/02/2026

We’re big fans of ’s Always Be Naturing campaign🌿

Spending time in nature is a proven way to lift your mood and lower stress - and the best part? It’s easy and free.

A picnic in the backyard, a swim at the beach🏖️or even walking barefoot on the grass all count. Little moments outdoors can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

Click the link in bio for more naturing inspiration, plus simple ways you can give back to nature too❤️

10/02/2026

Dollar Match Day = double the impact for mental health across Aotearoa. 💜

It's Dollar Match Day for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand 🎉 For the next 24 hours, every donation made to our official Charity Partner will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 thanks to our friends at Stuff Events.

💙 What does that mean? Every dollar you donate = twice the impact!
📅 When? TODAY until the $5,000 for the Mental Health Foundation is fully matched!
⚡ What to do? Donate NOW and watch your generosity go even further!

Want to learn more? Keen to donate? Check out: https://www.roundthebays.co.nz/fundraising

09/02/2026

Applications for the All-of-Population Su***de Prevention Community Fund are now open ❤️

Our new Fund backs projects that strengthen collective wellbeing and help people through their toughest moments. We support initiatives across Aotearoa, with a strong focus on communities that may experience increased su***de risk, including Māori, Pasifika, maternal, men, youth, rainbow, and rural communities.

You could receive anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 to help bring your idea to life.

Applications are open now until Tuesday, 17 March.
Apply via our website now at https://mentalhealth.org.nz/spfund

P.S. Got any questions? Join our Zoom webinars on 17 and 19 February to find out more. Find the links on our website!