Mates4Life, Napier (2026)

25/03/2026

💚 Strengthening support in rural Hawke’s Bay

We’re incredibly grateful to receive funding from the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust, supporting Mates4Life to deliver su***de prevention training to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) brigades across rural Hawke’s Bay.

This funding will help us reach communities where access to support can be more limited, and where people often rely heavily on one another. Through this programme, local volunteers will be equipped with the skills to recognise signs of distress, start meaningful conversations, and connect people to the help they need.

At Mates4Life, we believe that anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond – and this support allows us to continue building that capability across our region.

"Hawke's Bay's rural communities face some of the highest rates of su***de in the country, and for too long, distance and isolation have been barriers to getting help - now, Mates4Life is addressing that by building genuine local capability where it's needed most. This is meaningful investment in the wellbeing of our communities, and we're proud to be part of it," says JFCT Trustee and Community Funding lead, Ana Apatu.

A huge thank you to the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust for backing this work, and to Fire and Emergency NZ for their ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of their people and communities.

Together, we’re helping ensure support reaches the people and places where it’s needed most – strengthening early intervention and community connection across Hawke’s Bay. 💚

22/03/2026

💭 What stops us from checking in?

Often, it’s not that we don’t care - it’s that we’re unsure.

• “What if I say the wrong thing?”
• “What if I make it worse?”
• “What if they don’t want to talk?”

These thoughts are more common than we realise.

But the reality is, starting the conversation - even imperfectly - is often the most important step.

At Mates4Life, we believe that anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond.

You don’t need the perfect words.
Just the willingness to show up. 💚

13/03/2026

Looking for a fun way to get active while supporting a great cause? This one’s for you. 🏃‍♂️

Join us for the “officially unofficial” Isaac’s Half-ish Marathon, raising funds for Mates4Life Hawke’s Bay. A big thank you to Isaac for organising this event and choosing to support the work we do in our community.

Whether you hop, skip, crawl, walk, jog or sprint, everyone is welcome. Bring your mates, your whānau, or challenge your workmates and make a morning of it.

📍 Where: Puketapu Park Playground
📅 When: Saturday 21 March
⏰ Start time: 9am
💲 Entry: $20 per person | $30 family

The course follows the beautiful Tutaekuri River, heading out to the river bridge and back - with a hydration station and facilities along the way.
Every step taken helps support our work empowering the community with the skills to help prevent su***de.

👉 Scan the QR code on the poster to register.

We’d love to see the community get behind this one. 💚

05/03/2026

💡 In every workshop, there’s a moment.

A shift in the room.
A nod of understanding.
A quiet “I didn’t know that.”

It’s the moment someone realises they have the tools to check in, to listen, to act.

Those small moments are building a stronger, more confident Hawke’s Bay - one conversation at a time. 💚

03/03/2026

🌟 Mates4Life Staff Spotlight: Meet Anthony 🌟⁠ ⁠
It’s time for another facilitator under the spotlight – meet Anthony, aka Ants. Ambitious, driven, and never afraid to ask the hard questions or have the hard conversations, Ants is a real asset to the team. His infectious laugh and legendary Ammonia card game skills bring an energy to the workplace that can’t be matched. He loves a yarn, so if you see him out and about, don’t be afraid to say hi.

Q: What’s your role at Mates4Life and why is it meaningful to you?⁠
🔹 “I facilitate our programme in the community and manage Business Relations, supporting local workplaces to bring su***de prevention training to their teams. I love being able to deliver workshops while building long-term relationships across Hawke’s Bay to create a no-barriers approach to mental health.”

Q: What’s one thing people might not know about you?⁠
🔹 “I’m slightly obsessed with tropical fish. What started as a small tank has definitely expanded over the years. Let’s just say I have a very patient wife - and the fish are excellent listeners.”

Q: What inspires you to support wellbeing in our community?⁠
🔹 " It’s the moment during a workshop where you see the 'lightbulb' comes on for someone. I’m inspired by the idea that we can give everyday people simple, practical strategies to save a life. We don't need to be experts; we just need to be mates who know what to look for and how to listen. Seeing our community become more confident in having those tough conversations is what keeps me going.”

Q: What’s your go-to tip for looking after your own wellbeing?⁠
🔹 " When people ask how I look after my own wellbeing, I always point to one word: Action. I’ve learnt that when I’m feeling a bit 'off' or stuck in a rut, it’s usually because of what I’m not doing. For me, movement is medicine – whether that’s a walk, starting a task I’ve been avoiding, or reaching out to a mate. Momentum helps you find your way back to yourself.”

Anthony is a reminder that courage, action, and genuine connection can make a powerful difference in the lives of others.
Ngā mihi, Ants 💚

26/02/2026

As the week wraps up, workloads are high, energy can dip, and pressure often shows up in ways we don’t immediately notice.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause and check in - with ourselves and with the people around us.

A simple “How are you really going?”
A follow-up question.
A few extra minutes to listen.

We believe anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond. And often, it starts with small, intentional moments like these.

Conversation doesn’t need to be complicated - just genuine.

24/02/2026

⛳️ What a powerful day for our community.

Last Friday, Mates4Life was proud to be one of the causes supported at the Tumu / BBI Par 4 a Purpose Golf Day at Hastings Golf Club.

While the Ambrose tournament raised important funds for both Mates4Life and Building Futures Foundation, it was also a reminder of what’s possible when businesses come together to support meaningful local impact.

When organisations stand behind su***de prevention, it strengthens our whole region. It helps us continue empowering people with the skills to recognise the signs of distress and respond with confidence — in workplaces, homes, and everyday life.

A heartfelt thank you to Tumu, BBI, Hastings Golf Club, and every business and player who showed up in support. Your backing makes this work possible. 💚

11/02/2026

Much of our work happens in the everyday moments setting up, travelling between workplaces, sharing conversations, and taking the time to listen.

It’s not always loud or visible, but it’s always intentional. We show up with care, consistency, and a shared belief that anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond.

These behind-the-scenes moments are where trust is built, confidence grows, and real connection happens. And it’s this steady, human work that sits at the heart of everything we do.

Proud of our team. Proud of our community. Grateful to keep showing up. 💚

09/02/2026

🌞 Happy Monday from Mates4Life! 🌞

Connection starts with being present - and at Mates4Life, we make it easy to bring meaningful kōrero directly to your workplace. Whether it’s parking up on site or meeting your team where they are, our workshops are designed to fit seamlessly into your day.

We believe anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond. That’s why we work alongside Hawke’s Bay businesses and communities, empowering people with practical skills, confidence, and knowledge to support one another.

If your workplace is looking for accessible, practical support that makes a real difference, we’d love to walk alongside you.

👉 Get in touch to see how Mates4Life can support your team. 💚

03/02/2026

Educate. Empower. Prevent.

At Mates4Life, these three words sit at the heart of our mission to support su***de prevention across Hawke’s Bay and beyond.

🧠 Educate
We deliver practical training and resources that help individuals and organisations better understand mental health challenges. By building awareness, we can reduce stigma and encourage open, honest kōrero.

✊ Empower
Our workshops equip people with the confidence and skills to support others. We believe everyone has the mana to make a difference - through connection, courage, and care.

👥 Prevent
By working alongside our partners, we help create life-supporting workplaces and communities where people feel safe to speak up and seek support. Through education and empowerment, we strengthen resilience and help prevent su***de within our whānau and communities.

Join us as we continue this important mahi - because when we support one another, lives are protected. 💚

02/02/2026

We’re proud to work alongside organisations like Mitre 10 who believe that anybody can help prevent su***de when they know what to look for and how to respond.

By bringing Mates4Life into their business, the Mitre 10 team has taken an important step towards empowering their people with the skills and confidence to notice the signs, start conversations, and support others when it matters most.

Our purpose is simple and powerful: to empower our community with the skills to help prevent su***de. When workplaces invest in their people, the impact extends far beyond the job - into families, friendships, and the wider community.

Here’s what Mitre 10 shared about their experience with Mates4Life:
“People are at the heart of both our organisation and our customers, and we feel a genuine desire to support in the tough times. The work Mates4Life does gives our team the confidence to check in, have courageous conversations, and provide pathways for support for those that might need it.”

Thank you, Mitre 10, for backing your people and being part of su***de prevention in action 💚

28/01/2026

As teams return to work and momentum builds in 2026, many people are navigating increased workloads, competing priorities, and the pressure that can come with a new year. It’s an important time to intentionally place wellbeing back on the agenda.

One of our Mates4Life facilitators, Peter, shared a simple but powerful reminder: “Prioritise your time and self-care — otherwise, you’re no good to anybody, especially your loved ones.”

Sustainable performance starts with people feeling supported. When individuals are encouraged to manage their time, set healthy boundaries, and stay connected, they are better equipped to support their teams and contribute positively in the workplace.

As organisations re-establish routines for the year ahead, small actions - regular check-ins, open conversations, and visible leadership support for wellbeing - can make a meaningful difference.

At Mates4Life, we work alongside organisations to build life-supporting workplaces where people feel valued, heard, and supported.

If your organisation is looking to strengthen wellbeing and connection in 2026, we’d love to walk alongside you

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