Across Aotearoa, almost 10,000 workplaces, communities, whānau, schools and kura will be celebrating the taonga/treasure that is our mental health.

Each day of MHAW has a theme inspired by Te Whare Tapa Whā, a model developed by Māori health advocate and MHF patron Sir Mason Durie. 
“Te Whare Tapa Whā helps us to find ways to look after our taha wairua (spiritual health), taha tinana (physical health), taha hinengaro (emotional and mental health), taha whānau (family and friends). When all these things are in balance, including the whenua (land, foundation and nature) we thrive. When one or more of these is out of balance, our wellbeing is impacted,” says Thomas Strickland, Kaiwhakarite Māori Development Specialist, MHF. 

The daily MHAW themes are:
Monday 21 September: Whānau
Recharge with others / Whiria te muka tangata

Tuesday 22 September: Wairua
Rediscover everyday wonder / Whāia ngā mīharotanga o ia rā 

Wednesday 23 September: Whenua
Return to nature / Hono ki te taiao

Thursday 24 September: Tinana
Refuel your body / Whakamarohi i tō tinana

Friday 25 September: Hinengaro
Refresh your mind / Whāngaia tō hinengaro

These themes will be used as part of the popular wellbeing photo challenge which runs from 21-25 September. New Zealanders are encouraged to take photos related to the theme to show what wellbeing looks like to them. 

Visit mhaw.nz for ideas on how you can get involved in the week at your workplace, school or kura, whānau or community.

More info
Mental Health Awareness Week is 21-27 September 2020.
To learn about the week or register for updates, visit mhaw.nz.
Kiwis can download free resources (including posters, e-signatures or a workplace resource).
Hashtags: #MHAWNZ #ReimagineWellbeingTogether #HeTirhangaAnamata

- The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz