NZ Rugby has announced a partnership with Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing in more regions across the country.
The initiative will see an expansion of NZR's 'Mind. Set. Engage' mental health programme to Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury and Southland.
NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson believes the partnership will have a significant 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," said Robinson.
"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 is heartened by the success of the programme, since its 2017 inception.
"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," he added. "Rugby can be proud of that."
Te Aka Whai Ora chief executive Riana Manuel says the partnership is an example of new methods of addressing mental health in Aotearoa.
"Everything we do focuses on uplifting our whānau and building resilience in our communities," said 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."
