Mates4Life, Napier (2025)

01/12/2025

Last Thursday, our team had the privilege of delivering a 1-hour Awareness session followed by Kai & Kōrero at Mitre10 Mega.

The feedback was incredibly encouraging - participants shared that the session was both informative and relatable, helping deepen their understanding of mental health. Out of 22 attendees, 21 left feeling confident to ask someone if they might be contemplating su***de, and all 22 gained a clearer understanding of the support and resources available for those impacted by su***de.
It’s a powerful reminder that su***de doesn’t discriminate - it touches every workplace and every community. By creating space for honest kōrero, we can break down stigma and build safer, more supportive environments.

A huge thank you to Mitre10 Mega for being such an important partner in this mahi. Your commitment to mental health awareness genuinely helps create stronger, safer spaces for everyone.

Together, we’re making a real difference. 💚

27/11/2025

🗣️ Every conversation matters. Learn how to make yours count.

At Mates4Life, we believe that meaningful conversations can be a powerful tool for connection and support. Whether it's checking in on a mate or discussing mental health, every word can make a difference. Let’s open up the conversation and empower one another to share our stories. 💚

If you’re looking for support or want to learn more about how to make your conversations count, visit our website at mates4life.org.nz!

24/11/2025

🌟 A moment worth celebrating! 🌟⁠
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Today we’re proud to recognise Tyson, who has been named one of NZ’s 2026 Tower Local Hero Medallists! 🏆⁠
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Tyson’s mahi - supporting mental health, leading with aroha, and lifting our community - truly embodies what it means to be a local hero. Through his leadership with Mates4Life, Tyson plays a crucial role in strengthening su***de prevention efforts across our region. Alongside this, his work with Lift is opening meaningful pathways for rangatahi, empowering them into fulfilling employment and self-employment opportunities. Together, these kaupapa reflect his deep commitment to the wellbeing and future of our people.⁠
Kia kaha, Tyson - you’re making a real difference, and we’re proud to be a part of your journey.⁠
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21/11/2025

🌟 Mates4Life Spotlight: Meet Misty! 🌟

Misty is one of our facilitators at Mates4Life, known for her loving energy, infectious laugh, and impactful role-plays in the one-day Safety-Aider programme (IYKYK). She’s also our in-house Te Reo teacher, sharing her language and tikanga with us all.

Q: What’s your role at Mates4Life and why is it meaningful to you?
🔹"This mahi is very meaningful to me because my whānau has been directly impacted by su***de. Through this mahi, I can help whānau who have lost loved ones to su***de."

Q: What’s one thing people might not know about you?
🔹"I will eat anything!"

Q: What inspires you to support wellbeing in our community?
🔹"My whānau and whakapapa inspire me to support wellbeing in our community."

Q: What’s your go-to tip for looking after your own wellbeing?
🔹"Say yes! Whether it’s a walk, a class, or trying new food, I say yes."

Misty reminds us that aroha, connection, and a willingness to try new things can make a big difference.
Ngā mihi, Misty!

17/11/2025

Last week, the team had a change of scenery, taking their mahi to the Waikato region, where we partnered with Permapine and Plunket to deliver our Connector Workshop.

This workshop trains individuals to be the link for those in need - enhancing their su***de prevention skills to recognise warning signs, respond with care, and connect people to safety systems if necessary.

A huge thank you to both organisations for their commitment to the well-being and mental health of their workers. Your dedication to creating a supportive and caring work environment makes a real difference.

At Mates4Life, we believe that strong workplaces start with strong connections. Together, we’re building resilient whānau and communities where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported.

👏 Ka aroha, ka whakapono, ka whāngai i te manaaki - Love, trust, and nurturing care are at the heart of all we do.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to wellbeing. Here’s to more moments of learning, connection, and support!

12/11/2025

November highlights men’s mental health in NZ - a time to raise awareness, break stigma, and support the men in our lives.

Mental health struggles are real - and talking about it can save lives.

How you can make a difference:
✅ Start the conversation - ask your mates how they’re really doing
✅ Get involved in Movember - grow a moustache, raise funds, and start talks about men’s health
✅ Build a support circle - check in, listen, and encourage seeking help
✅ Share stories - normalise mental health challenges and inspire others to speak up

Support our men — because mental health matters.

09/11/2025

Our Why at Mates4Life is simple but powerful:
To create a culture where looking out for each other isn’t optional - it’s just what we do.

Our purpose goes beyond training; it’s about saving lives, empowering communities, and giving people the confidence to step in when it matters most.

Every conversation, every connection, is a step toward preventing tragedy.

Together, we build resilient whānau and communities where no one is left alone.

That’s our purpose.
That’s our why.

06/11/2025

He mana tō te uara i te tono āwhina.

The strong are those who know when to lean on others.

03/11/2025

🌱 Become a Grower with Mates4Life! 🌱⁠
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Are you already a part of our Mates4Life programme and work in HR, H&S, Management, or Pastoral Care and are Ready to make a real difference in your organisations wellbeing?⁠
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Join our transformative 1-day Grower Workshop and gain the skills to support your team through healing and growth. 💚⁠
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✨ What you'll learn: ⁠
✅ Strategies to guide individuals towards recovery⁠
✅ How to empower themselves to manage and support employees returning to work after experiences with su***de or mental distress⁠
✅ Create a safe, supportive environment to support the individual⁠
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The best part, all Mates4Life programmes are delivered at no cost to your organisation.⁠
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Take the step to become a leader in workplace wellbeing. Learn, support, and grow together. ⁠
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🔗 Find out more .org.nz⁠
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30/10/2025

🌟 Mates4Life Spotlight: Meet Our General Manager! 🌟

We're excited to introduce you to the heart and soul behind Mates4Life - our incredible General Manager, Tyson Ataera! 👋

Q: What’s your role at Mates4Life and why is it meaningful to you?
🔹 “I’m the General Manager at Mates4Life, leading our kaupapa to strengthen mental health and su***de prevention across workplaces and communities in Aotearoa. Seeing firsthand the impact of su***de on whānau, organizations, and the wider community fuels my passion. Creating safe spaces for kōrero and equipping people with tools to care for one another is my responsibility - and my heart. It’s also a reflection of my faith to love God and love people, bringing light into some of the darkest places.”

Q: What’s the one thing people might not know about you?
🔹 I’m often mistaken for being a twin with my brother Davis because we look alike, but we’re actually Irish twins born just 11 months apart.

Q: What inspires you to support wellbeing in our community?
🔹 I’m inspired by the transformation that happens when people are given the chance to share what’s really on their hearts. When someone feels heard, valued, and supported, you can see the weight begin to lift. Walking alongside them on that journey helping to find solutions together and watching HOPE return that’s what drives me. It’s a privilege to be part of creating those moments of change and to see the ripple effect it has on whānau and community.

Q: What’s your go-to tip for looking after your own wellbeing?
🔹 The most important thing for me is keeping God at the centre, strengthening my wairua (spirit) through Karakia (prayer) and reading the Bible. Everything else flows from this foundation, which strengthens my overall wellbeing.

Thank you, Tyson, for inspiring us to lead with hope and heart. Together, we can make a difference. 💚

26/10/2025

👟 Join Us for "Move for a Cause" with Tumu Group! 👟⁠
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Get ready to lace up your shoes and support Mates4Life! Tumu Group is hosting "Move for a Cause" to raise funds for our kaupapa, and we'd love to see you there.⁠
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Here's the lowdown:⁠
📍 Where: Flaxmere Park⁠
🗓️ When: 7th November⁠
⏰ Time: 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM⁠
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For every lap you do, Tumu will donate $2 to Mates4Life! Plus, there's a free BBQ breakfast, and you can bring your whānau (including your furry friends 🐶).⁠
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Let's make every step count! See you there! 💙⁠
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22/10/2025

A massive thank you to everyone who supported us during the Good in the Hood campaign! 💚

We recently received the funds raised, and we’re so grateful for your generosity. Every dollar helps us continue our mahi in su***de prevention within our community. You’re helping us make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Ngā mihi nui! 🙏

Mates4Life

01/12/2025

27/11/2025

24/11/2025

21/11/2025

17/11/2025

12/11/2025

09/11/2025

06/11/2025

03/11/2025

30/10/2025

26/10/2025

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