MATES in Construction NZ

🚧 Calling all male construction workers in New Zealand! 🚧 I'm conducting an important research study on the mental wellbeing of male construction workers in New Zealand. This research explores how intimate partner relationships and work-related factors collectively impact the mental wellbeing of these workers. I’ve already conducted several insightful interviews and am seeking more participants to help deepen understanding of these vital experiences. If you are or know someone who is: ✔️ Working in the construction industry ✔️ Currently living in Aotearoa New Zealand, preferably in Auckland ✔️ English-speaking and 18 years or older I’d love to hear from you! Your participation would involve a confidential 1-2 hour interview where you can share your experiences and thoughts on these important topics. As a token of appreciation, you'll receive a koha voucher. Your insights are invaluable and can contribute to meaningful changes in mental health and wellbeing support for men in the construction industry. 👉 If you’re interested or know someone who fits the criteria, please reach out to me at mohsin.ali@autuni.ac.nz. Thank you for your support in this crucial work. Together, we can make a difference! #MentalWellbeing #ConstructionIndustry #Aotearoa #Research #MentalHealth #ConstructionWorkers #Wellbeing

With the festive season just around the corner, we want to remind people that the holidays aren't always about cheer and celebration. For many, the festive times can be a reminder of tough times ahead with worries around finances, anniversaries of passings, substance and alcohol abuse, and feeling isolated or disconnected from friends and whānau. As we approach this holiday season, check in on a mate - take 10 seconds to ask them simple things like - 'How are you doing?', 'Are you okay?', 'Let's catch up'. Because, we are stronger together. Need a chat? 0800 111 315 #strongertogether #mateshelpingmates #support #matesinconstruction #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #keeptalking #everylifematters #awareness

MATES RESEARCH | Sharing Our Insights 📑 At MATES, research is more than just data – it’s the foundation of our work to improve mental health and prevent suicide in the construction industry. Sharing these insights with our community is essential for SPARKING CHANGE. Last week, our team – CEO John R. Chapman, Research Lead Dr. Lauren Donnan, Academic Director Dr. Chris Bowden, and Field Officer Fletcher Kaan – presented our latest findings alongside Associate Research Professor Dr Gabrielle Jenkin from University of Otago. Together, we connected with industry, academic, and government representatives at Victoria University of Wellington, sparking new conversations on how MATES research can drive positive change. Dr. Lauren Donnan shared: "Our research is grounded in what workers tell us needs addressing. By sharing these insights, we're driving both grassroots and systemic change through collaboration and informed action." Reflecting on the event, Dr. Chris Bowden added: “What a great example of an NGO, private sector, and academics working together to solve real-world problems!” Through collaboration, we are STRONGER TOGETHER. #MATESHELPINGMATES #SPARKCHANGE #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #ConstructionWellbeing #CollaborationForChange #Research

$5K RAISED FOR MATES | NZ CERTIFIED BUILDERS & MOUNT ITM During Mental Health Awareness Week in late September, New Zealand Certified Builders Association and Mount ITM raised $5,000 for MATES at their Golf Day Renner Park Golf Club in Tauranga. MATES' duo Slade and Brodie were thrilled to see former All Black and Tauranga local, Kevin Shuler, speak to the golfers on the day, sharing a message of camaraderie and enjoying life outside of work with your mates. Brodie said it was a great time to bring people together, during Mental Health Awareness Week. "It's always nice to meet new people; we had some great conversations on the course and, as always, were impressed with the level of play on show." "A big thank you to Taryn (NZCB) and Clayton (ITM) for organising a fantastic event and choosing to support MATES." "We are Stronger Together." #mateshelpingmates #fundraiser #strongertogether

SITE SAFE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING AWARDS | 2025 Are you or your organisation making your workplace safer? The annual Site Safe New Zealand Inc Health, Safety and Wellbeing Awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations making a significant contribution to improving health and safety. A great way to celebrate and share your initiatives that are keeping people safe. Entries close December 13th – submit yours online at sitesafe.org.nz. #sitesafe #awards #strongertogether #mateshelpingmates #makingadifference

What an impactful week for MATES’ research! 📑 This week, our MATES team – CEO John R. Chapman, Research Lead Dr. Lauren Donnan, and Field Officer Fletcher Kaan – joined forces with Academic Director Dr. Chris Bowden from Victoria University of Wellington to engage in critical conversations at Parliament. We met with MPs from across the political spectrum, continuing our mission to reduce lives lost to suicide in the construction industry and enhance the well-being of workers. A special thank you to Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk MP, Health Select Committee Members Ingrid Leary and Cameron Luxton, as well as MPs Laura Trask and Tanya Unkovich MP for the open kōrero and ongoing support. As Dr. Lauren Donnan, MATES Research Manager, noted: “Together with our industry, and through collaboration with government and other like-minded organisations and stakeholders, such as the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and the Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, we are igniting hope in the fight for better mental health and suicide prevention.” Suicide doesn’t discriminate, and we all play a part in sparking change. #MATESHELPINGMATES #SPARKCHANGE #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #SparkChange #ConstructionWellbeing #CollaborationForChange #research

TOUCH FOOTY FOR ALL | SOUTH ISLAND Friday evening at Belfast Rugby Club, Waimea Old Boys RFC, and Turnbull Thompson Park, industry partners came together for an epic day of touch rugby at the Te Waipounamu Touch, Touch Canterbury, Touch Southland, and Official Nelson Bays Touch touch Fundraising Festival in support of MATES in Construction. It was a fantastic event filled with fun, action, connection, and raised awareness for mental health in the construction industry. Thank you to everyone who played, supported, and helped make a difference, one try at a time. #StrongerTogether #Construction #MentalHealthAwareness #MatesHelpingMates #Fundraiser #MATESInConstruction

A STORY FROM THE FIELD | KĀINGA ORA   MATES' partnership with organisations such as Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities has allowed us to meet and support workers across Aotearoa.   Having supported our mahi since 2020, Kāinga Ora and their build partners programme have allowed MATES and our Field Officers to deliver training such as the Connector delivered to NZ Strong Group this week. By spreading the web of wellbeing, we can build healthier workplaces and allow mates to help mates when things might get a bit tough.   During Fly the Flag Week, a worker who was connected to MATES through Kāinga Ora shared an amazing story with MATES Field Officer Lance of how he was able to intervene when someone was thinking about suicide.   "He mentioned recognising signs from a previous Toolbox Talk and how the personal support he received from MATES in prior months had put him in a better headspace to help others."   He felt more connected, recognised some of the signs and knew something was wrong when he saw the person on his own.   “I saw him sitting on his own when I drove past with my sister... and I just felt something wasn’t right. I knew, you know? I followed my instinct and asked my sister to turn back, and went and talked to him.”   #mateshelpingmates #strongertogether

Did you catch our MATES? Awesome to see our Slade with Field Officer Jared set up with our Partners, Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited in Warkworth. #strongertogether

Touch Footy for All kicks off in two days! 🏉 With only two more days left until the main event kicks off - the Te Waipounamu Touch and MATES team stopped by Invercargill for one of the workshops to bring the footy teams up to speed. Thank you to those who came along and got among the workshops. Didn't get to register but still want to support MATES? Check out the Give a Little link below. https://lnkd.in/gJ7nKWjG 📸: Te Waipounamu Touch #TouchRugby #MATESFundraiser #CanterburyTouch #TewaipounamuTouch #CommunitySupport #mateshelpingmates #matesinconstruction #strongertogether #awareness #support