Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 responds to increasing rates of loneliness across Aotearoa

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) has announced the details for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, running nationwide from 12-18 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 loneliness¹, declining trust² and only 53% of New Zealanders feeling that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of community³. 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,” says Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of the MHF.

“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. All this builds connectedness, belonging, trust and wellbeing,"

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.

This Mental Health Awareness Week the call to action is to reach out, kōrero, connect, and host an event for your school, workplace, or community.

Free downloadable resources and ideas for Mental Health Awareness Week are available now at mhaw.nz.

About Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week has been run annually by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand since 1993. It is a dedicated week for individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to celebrate and focus on mental health and wellbeing. The campaign reaches hundreds of thousands of people across Aotearoa each year, encouraging positive mental health practices and fostering supportive environments.

Research & insights about belonging in Aotearoa

• Community cohesion: Only 53% of New Zealanders agree that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of community.³
• Foundational to wellbeing: A strong sense of belonging in schools, workplaces, and communities is directly linked to better mental wellbeing, including higher confidence, resilience, and life satisfaction.
• Protective factor: Social connection and community trust are recognised as some of the strongest protective factors against mental distress and loneliness.
• Impact of exclusion: Experiences of exclusion have a direct negative impact on wellbeing, particularly among rangatahi/young people, recent migrants, sole parents, and rainbow communities.
• Everyday connection: International research shows that performing small, weekly acts of connection and kindness in local neighbourhoods significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and strengthens community bonds.
• Collective responsibility: Belonging and hope grow through safe, inclusive shared experiences, trusted places, and collective action.

References:

1. Stats NZ. (2023). Wellbeing statistics: 2023. https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/wellbeing-statistics-2023/.

2. Edelman. (2026). Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report. https://www.edelman.com/trust/2026/trust-barometer

3. Helen Clark Foundation. (2026). Social cohesion in New Zealand 2026. https://www.helenclark.foundation/social-cohesion.