Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 tackles rising loneliness across Aotearoa
Mental Health Foundation media release: 1st September 2026
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) has announced the details for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, running nationwide from 12 to 18 October. This year's theme "Belonging Matters" invites schools, workplaces, and communities across Aotearoa to focus on small, everyday moments of connection that foster a genuine sense of inclusion and boost mental wellbeing.
Grounded in the whakataukī "Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au - I am you, and you are me", the 2026 theme comes at a crucial time. Recent research highlights a growing challenge across Aotearoa of rising loneliness, declining trust and only 53% of New Zealanders feeling that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of community. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week champions a simple truth: nurturing a sense of belonging is one of the most powerful protective factors for our mental health.
"Humans are social beings and being able to spend time with one another, connect and feel that we belong, is vital for our mental and emotional health. Connection works at many levels, whānau, friends, workplaces, schools, community, country. It is a two-way street, we need to reach out and we need to invite people in. This all builds connectedness, belonging, trust and wellbeing," says Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of the MHF.
Whether at school, work, or in local neighbourhoods, finding small ways to connect can make a world of difference. Belonging Matters because feeling connected to others reduces loneliness, strengthens self-confidence, and can provide valuable social support during hard times. From checking in on a mate and making time for a kōrero to reaching out to someone new, every action helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
Free downloadable resources and ideas for Mental Health Awareness Week are available now.