Help fund the research that listens to every mother’s story, from trying to conceive to postpartum.
Donate NowMaternal Mental Health
Maternal mental health touches families at every stage of the journey to parenthood – including trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and experiences of loss. These journeys are often complex, deeply personal, and not always visible to others.
The need for improved maternal mental health support in Aotearoa New Zealand is significant. Around 12–18% of mothers experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges during pregnancy or the first year after birth. Postnatal depression alone affects approximately 1 in 5 women. Tragically, suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death in New Zealand. Yet, despite how many lives it affects, maternal mental health remains under‑researched and too often misunderstood. There is an urgent and growing need to better recognise, understand, and respond to the mental health needs of mothers and those on the path to
parenthood.
Funds raised will directly support research into maternal mental health across every stage of motherhood. Because every experience matters. Because every story counts. And because every mother deserves understanding, support, and care.
Donate by Internet Banking
If you would prefer to donate offline please use the following account details.
Please email info@whaufoundation.org.nz for your receipt.
Account name:
Whau Mental Health Research Foundation
Account number:
ANZ 01-0143-0041483-01
Reference:
Your name + “donation”
“I have experienced first-hand how your mental health can be challenged during miscarriage, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. It is so important to shine a light on maternal mental health and help support women during these transitions and seasons if they need it.”
Kimberley Crossman, Whau Foundation Ambassador
A message from Whau Ambassador Kimberley Crossman
Your generosity helps build knowledge, visibility, and compassion – and contributes to lasting change for mothers and families across Aotearoa.
Together, we can help ensure maternal mental health is recognised, understood, and supported – for this generation and the next.
Ambassador Video
World Mental Health Day is approaching – watch Kim Crossman explain why mental health research matters and why your support is needed now.
Join our founding donors and help shape the future of maternal mental health research in Aotearoa
Cezanne Powell
Kat
Anonymous
Nardine Hall
Anonymous
Donation FAQs
Yes. Whau Mental Health Research Foundation is registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 and as a charity under the Charities Act 2005, CC10497.
Donations of $5 or more are eligible for a 33% tax rebate. For more information visit the IRD website: https://www.ird.govt.nz
Yes. You’ll automatically receive a tax receipt to the email address you provided when you donated. If you don’t receive one within 48 hours, please email info@whaufoundation.org.nz to request a copy of the receipt.
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