The Kindness Institute

About the organisation 

The Kindness Institute exists to empower marginalised communities in Aotearoa by supporting health and wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, community and leadership. As a charitable organisation, their mahi (work) is grounded in te ao Māori (Māori customs and protocols) and focuses on creating long-lasting change within the communities they serve. Their long-term vision is to equip all rangatahi (youth) in Aotearoa with evidence-based tools to overcome life's challenges, enhance their wellbeing, and live a meaningful life.  

Atawhai Hou and Mauri Tau 2026

The project 

The Kindness Institute is partnering with nib foundation to deliver two project components focused on improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for rangatahi Māori.

Atawhai Hou

Atawhai Hou is an evolution of The Kindness Institute’s established Atawhai program, created to support the emotional wellbeing, sense of belonging and cultural identity of tamariki (students) and rangatahi Māori. Delivered in collaboration with Social Workers in Schools across Auckland, this program will bring together 13 tamariki aged 11–13 for a 3-day immersive wānanga (learning retreat), followed by a term of supported one‑to‑one mentoring sessions, and will finish with a 2-day reflective wānanga and a graduation ceremony with whānau (family).

Through movement‑based mindfulness activities, connection to te taiao (the natural environment), taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments), and age-appropriate wellbeing and suicide prevention education, tamariki will learn practical ways to regulate their emotions and manage stress. The program is designed to strengthen holistic wellbeing while deepening cultural connection, helping rangatahi feel more grounded, confident and supported in their everyday lives.

Mauri Tau

The Kindness Institute will deliver Mauri Tau sessions in local kura (schools), supporting rangatahi Māori within everyday learning environments. Mauri Tau provides culturally grounded mindfulness for rangatahi Māori in Auckland, delivered in ongoing collaboration with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and supported by nib foundation.

Similar to Atawhai Hou, Mauri Tau will draw on mindfulness practices, pūrākau (storytelling), grounding techniques and whanaungatanga (connection) to provide accessible tools that help rangatahi manage stress, calm the nervous system, and strengthen wellbeing and cultural identity.

Why it matters 

Aotearoa New Zealand is experiencing rising levels of psychological distress among young people, alongside ongoing constraints on access to mental health support. Data from the 2022/23 New Zealand Health Survey¹ shows increasing rates of high and very high psychological distress among people aged 15–24, while findings from the Youth19 Survey highlight that Māori rangatahi experience disproportionately higher levels of distress and suicide attempts.

Through delivery Atawhai Hou and Mauri Tau, our partnership with The Kindness Institute continues to offer culturally grounded, preventative approaches that improve access to wellbeing support for rangatahi Māori. Guided by kaupapa Māori principles and informed by The Kindness Institute’s relationships with iwi (tribe), kura (school) and community partners, these initiatives will support Tamariki and rangatahi to build practical wellbeing skills, strengthen cultural identity and foster positive connections within their whānau (family), schools and communities.

Atawhai Program with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei 2025

The project 

As The Kindness Institute’s relationship with Ngāti Whātua Orākei continues, and in collaboration with local schools and community groups, the 2025 Atawhai program remains focused on improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for rangatahi Māori. 

Supported by nib foundation, the program incorporates local iwi knowledge and is delivered over six months, with up to 13 rangatahi aged 14-19 years taking part. Through immersive week-long wānanga (workshops), development sessions and ongoing mentoring, rangatahi are invited to celebrate their identity, culture, and Hauora (wellbeing). These experiences are integrated into activities that promote holistic mental health, mindfulness and self-reflection, while deepening their connection to te reo (Māori language) and te ao Māori (Māori customs and protocols). 

Why it matters 

New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world, with Māori young people disproportionately affected. In response to the ongoing youth mental health crisis, the latest 2022-2023 annual report from the Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services highlights the urgent demand for meaningful action in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to address the persistent inequities facing Māori rangatahi. 

Programs like Atawhai are designed to address this need, with all feedback from the 2024 nib foundation funded cohort showing rangatahi experienced a reduction in stress, stronger sense of purpose, and greater confidence to contribute to their communities. Guided by kaupapa Māori principles, this project will continue to equip rangatahi with the tools to manage stress, build resilience and foster positive connections with others.  

Through the Tuakana graduate pathway, rangatahi will be empowered to share their wellbeing skills within their communities, supporting iwi and rangatahi to continue the positive impact of Atawhai year after year.