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Our History

Tō mātou hītori

Whau Bush

Established in August 1967, the Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation emerged as a beacon of progress during the centennial celebration of Oakley Hospital. Serving the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland for a century, Oakley’s legacy lives on with our commitment to advancing mental health research through the newly renamed Whau Foundation.

Named after the Whau tree (a Māori name pronounced “faux”, rhyming with tow), the New Zealand native and pioneer species that provides shelter for other species of plants to grow and thrive, the Foundation aims to nurture ground-breaking discoveries and advancements in the mental health field.

With your support, we can shape a future where understanding blossoms, and resilience takes root. Join us on a journey of discovery, compassion, and unwavering hope.