Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
New Zealand Rugby and Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) have launched a partnership aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes in Aotearoa.
The partnership will provide an expanded delivery of NZR's mental health and wellbeing programme "Mind. Set. Engage." in five regions: Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury and Southland.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said the partnership would leave a lasting impact on communities across the country.
"Rugby is in every community across New Zealand and it can play an active role in making a significant difference to the mental health and wellbeing of Kiwis. We want the game to be a force for good in our country and this is something we're incredibly passionate about."
With one in two New Zealanders experiencing a mental health issue in their lifetime, Robinson said he was heartened by the success of the Mind. Set. Engage. programme to date.
"We're seeing the programme significantly reducing the negative perceptions around mental health and increasing the number of people who feel comfortable to seek help for themselves and support others. Rugby can be proud of that."
Te Aka Whai Ora chief executive, Riana Manuel, said the partnership is the first of its kind for New Zealand rugby.
"Everything we do focusses on uplifting our whānau and building resilience in our communities," says Riana.
"We see this partnership as an opportunity to expand and encourage good mental health by creating environments where seeking help is acceptable, stigma is reduced, and our rangatahi and whānau feel supported."
Formerly known as HeadFirst, Mind. Set. Engage. supports players, coaches, rugby staff, volunteers and whānau to improve their own mental wellbeing and provide tools to help others.
Established in 2017, the programme operates across the country and has had significant success supporting a cultural shift in the rugby community that sees more people seeking and receiving help.