Posted on 9 October 2026
EventsOur LearnersIt’s Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday 12-18 October 2026, Open Polytechnic's wellbeing hub provides resources to help ākonga (learners).
Mental Health Awareness Week is recognised in more than 150 countries worldwide, and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has been running it here in Aotearoa since 1993.
This year’s theme is “Belonging matters”, and we are here to help you stay connected while you study.
Grounded in the whakataukī “Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au I am you, and you are me”; it reminds us that small, everyday moments of connection are essential to our sense of belonging, identity, and overall wellbeing.
Online learning can feel isolating at times, and balancing study alongside mahi, whānau and other commitments can be a journey of ups and downs.
Staying connected with the people you share the journey with can make a real difference during its ebbs and flows.
Whānau may include family, friends, colleagues, hapū, hapori and community – regularly check in with the people who encourage you, listen when things are difficult, and celebrate your progress.
You can also build connection within your course:
- Use the Talk Channel to share perspectives, ask questions and check in with other ākonga.
- Your Course Facilitator can help with course content and assessments,
- Student Mentors can support you with planning, motivation and managing your study.
Professional support can also strengthen wellbeing and connection when needed.
Open Polytechnic ākonga can access free mental health support, tools and resources, and other free wellbeing services while studying.
You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming – reaching out early, even for a brief kōrero (talk), can help lighten the load.
For further details, check out the Open Polytechnic Wellbeing Hub.