Help us turn mental health research into real
change in Aotearoa
Every New Zealander facing mental health challenges deserves
answers backed by evidence – not guesswork.
Your support helps us work towards new discoveries in mental health in 2026 and beyond.
Whau Mental Health Research Foundation
The Whau Mental Health Research Foundation exists to help find the answers New Zealand desperately needs.
Mental health challenges are rising across Aotearoa, but many of the most important questions remain underfunded and unanswered.
With the support of generous donors and partners, we have already helped empower nearly 200 research projects – supporting discoveries that are improving mental health care, policy, and outcomes nationwide.
But there is still more to uncover.
Your support helps researchers ask bold questions, test new ideas, and ensure promising ideas are implemented – turning evidence into real change for individuals, whānau, and communities across Aotearoa.
Why Support Whau Mental Health Research Foundation?
Nearly half of all New Zealanders will experience mental distress or illness during their lifetime. Behind every statistic are individuals, families, and communities searching for answers.
Supporting the Whau Mental Health Research Foundation means investing in the research that can improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for generations to come. Every gift – large or small – helps turn urgent questions into discoveries that can change
lives.
Donate today and help create lasting change.
We’ve empowered almost 200 research projects addressing a wide range of mental health issues, paving the way for better treatments and outcomes.
How to Give
Your generosity helps turn research ideas into discoveries that can improve lives.
Whether you make a one-off gift, become a monthly supporter, or choose to leave a
legacy, every contribution helps advance
mental health research in Aotearoa.
Together, we can help ensure the answers people need are found sooner.
Apply for Research Support
Whau Mental Health Research Foundation is here to support pioneering projects that make a difference. Apply to join our mission of advancing mental health care in Aotearoa.
ApplyResearch Success Stories
Research supported by the Whau Mental Health Research Foundation is helping uncover new ways to understand, prevent, and treat mental health challenges.
By supporting innovative projects and emerging researchers, we help close critical knowledge gaps and identify approaches that can improve mental health care across Aotearoa.
Explore some of the projects that are already making a difference:
News
Stay connected with the latest news from Whau Mental Health Research Foundation. Here, you’ll find updates on research, upcoming events, and inspiring stories of progress in mental health care across Aotearoa. Explore how, together, we’re making a real difference.
Our 2025 Annual Appeal is Live
Māori Lived Experience Scholarship
How to Leave a Legacy
Donate Now
The call for impactful mental health research is louder than ever.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help to improve mental health in Aotearoa.
Donate today to make a difference.
Donate Now