The Mana Ake programme which provides mental health support for primary and intermediate school pupils is set to continue. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
- 25,500 students across more than 130 primary and intermediate schools in the regions will benefit once fully rolled out.
- As of 31 May 2024, over 78,600 sessions have been provided to children as part of Mana Ake since services started in 2018.
- Mana Ake was set up in the wake of the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes in 2018.
- It has since been expanded to Northland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Lakes and the West Coast.
The rollout of mental health support for primary and intermediate school pupils in Hawke's Bay and Tai Rāwhiti is set to continue.
The government has committed sustainable funding to the phased rollout of Mana Ake, which will grow to $3.7 million a year by 2026-27.
Mana Ake is a school-based mental wellbeing programme that helps children learn skills such as coping with change or challenges, managing their emotions, building positive relationships and overcoming grief and loss.
It also provides advice, guidance and workshops for parents, whānau and teachers so they can respond to and support the wellbeing needs of children.
Mana Ake was initially developed to support earthquake-affected communities in Christchurch and Kaikōura.
It has since been expanded to seven additional areas across the country including Northland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Lakes and the West Coast.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey said the investment ensured services would remain intact and available for young people needing mental wellbeing support.
"Once fully rolled out, Mana Ake will provide in-school wellbeing and mental resilience support and be available to around 25,500 students across more than 130 primary and intermediate schools in the regions," Doocey said.
"Early intervention and prevention is one of my priorities. I've committed to it in my mental health targets also as we know it's one of the best ways to increase access and encourage better mental wellbeing for young New Zealanders.
"Early intervention has the further advantage of setting up young New Zealanders to maintain better mental wellbeing throughout their lives. This is a strong example of a social return on investment."
Doocey said the programme was expected to fully be rolled out by 2026-27.
