The Kindness Institute

Atawhai Program
The issue

Data from the Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ latest annual report shows Aotearoa (New Zealand) is in the midst of an ongoing, and worsening youth mental health crisis. In recent years, demand for mental health support has skyrocketed, with a significant number of rangatahi (young people), particularly Māori and Pasifika youth, unable to access the services they’re searching for due to long waitlists. 

The project

To help improve the mental health and wellbeing of marginalised rangatahi in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), The Kindness Institute has developed Atawhai, a unique program designed to achieve sustained positive life outcomes for young people.  

Through an intensive week-long program, monthly workshops and ongoing mentoring over six months, the program invites rangatahi between the ages of 13 and 18 to celebrate their identity, culture and hauora (wellbeing), and participate in activities that promote positive mental health, mindfulness, self-reflection and connection to te reo (Māori language) and te ao Māori (Māori customs and protocols).

The impact

Atawhai works to improve rangatahi's mental, spiritual and cultural wellness, build a greater sense of purpose and self-worth and learn self-efficacy and leadership capabilities. It also aims to empower participants to live more fulfilling lives by leading and teaching their peers. 

Program participants will gain: 

• an increased sense of belonging and willingness to participate in communities as leaders and teachers.  

• lifelong stress management tools such as mindfulness, communication and forgiveness.