Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au – I am you, and you are me Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is all about belonging. This year's theme, Belonging Matters, highlights the power of community and connection in supporting mental wellbeing. Belonging can be found in every part of life, from work and home to hobbies and friendships. You may not realise that someone around you is feeling lonely or disconnected. A small act of kindness, even a smile or quick hello, can make a meaningful d

The death of a baby is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a family can go through. Hospital chaplains are there to walk alongside parents and whānau during these deeply difficult moments, to offer a compassionate presence when words alone aren't enough. Baby Loss Awareness Week Every year from 9-15th October, people from across Aotearoa and the world come together to recognise Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW). It is a time to remember the babies who died during pregnanc

Our Waitākere Hospital chaplains, Sione Tu’ungafasi and Louise Menzies, recently joined healthcare leaders, community representatives, and special guests in celebrating the official opening of Manaaki Hōhonu, a significant new facility at Waitākere Hospital. | One such representative was Minister Carmel Sepuloni, who thanked Sione for the care he gave to her father during his recent time in hospital. The open

01 October 2026 About the International Day of Older Persons First established in 1990 by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) aims to recognise and explore the unique experiences of our older populations. This year’s theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”, looks to critically evaluate the global systems and infrastructure currently in place for our aged populations to help fi

7-11 September 2026 Our hospital chaplains are here for you For 2026, Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week is all about making the spiritual and pastoral care provided by hospital chaplains more visible to the people who need it. Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa has existed for over 50 years across New Zealand to ensure patients, whānau, and staff receive the spiritual care and emotional support they need when it matters the most. Today, we operate with over 90 chaplains and mor

Father's Day is a time of celebration, where we recognise and give thanks to all those father figures in our lives that have shown strength, resilience, and love for us each day. | To the dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and all the men that are there for the big and the small wins, we say thank you. Fatherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, but the care and support we receive from the men in our lives is deeply important, however it is received. ​​In hospitals, Fathe