Harassment and bullying affect all sectors in New Zealand. Pink Shirt Day is about working together to stop bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion.

Pink Shirt Day began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink.

Here in Aotearoa, the Mental Health Foundation have been celebrating Pink Shirt Day since 2009 and the campaign grows every year.

MATES have supported the cause since 2020 and will be out on site today to support both the cause and the construction industry.

The 2022 New Zealand Human Rights Commission study titled ‘Experiences of Workplace Bullying and Harassment in Aotearoa New Zealand’ offers some eye-opening statistics.

The study stated that the most common immediate impacts of the harassment and bullying are worsening mental or physical health (64%), a loss of self-confidence (46%), and direct impacts on a person’s job or career (53%).

Furthermore, workplace harassment and bullying causes many workers to feel disrespected (60%), uncomfortable (57%), angry (47%), frustrated (45%) and anxious (44%).

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora!
Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying.

Click below for the MATES Pink Shirt Day Mental Health Toolbox.

Pink Shirt Day 2023 Posters

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This week Victoria addressed the team, sharing that having led the organisation since inception in August 2019, now is the right time for her to pursue new opportunities.

Under Victoria’s leadership, MATES has inducted more than 50,000 workers in the General Awareness Training Programme and delivered that programme to nearly 1600 construction sites, making a difference every day to the lives of construction people up and down the country.

Dan Ashby, Board Chair, praised the commitment and drive that Victoria has shown throughout her tenure to build and foster what MATES has now become.

“The Board wishes to record its appreciation for the key contribution Victoria has made in establishing MATES in New Zealand from scratch to now being a major contributor in supporting the mental health and well-being of our industry’s 300,000 construction workers in their workplace.

“Victoria has overseen the growth of our organisation from a small team in a dusty site office in Auckland, to our current 30+ MATES deploying our suicide prevention programmes and support services ‘on the ground’ in five centres across Aotearoa.”

Victoria said she would always be a cheerleader for MATES.

“I have a real belief in MATES, the values, what it stands for. MATES isn’t an organisation. We are a movement. We are something that everyone has joined because they wanted to be part of something that is really making change in the wellbeing of our industry and our people.

“I’m looking forward to watching the continued success of MATES and I’ll continue to cheer MATES on from the sideline.”

Victoria will leave MATES on May 12. The Board has appointed John Chapman as Acting Chief Executive.

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The construction industry has a strong Filipino presence. Delivering mental health and suicide prevention training in Tagalog helps build strength of support and understanding in the Filipino community.

Ronald said he found the crew more engaged in the conversation.

‘We don’t often hear much from our Filipino workforce during our English-spoken General Awareness Training.

‘While it was only our first Tagalog attempt, the training was more effective in getting the message across.’

For Ronald, delivering General Awareness Training in Tagalog is a rewarding way to give back to the Filipino community.

‘As a Filipino Kiwi, the opportunity to speak my native language and deliver the message of suicide prevention to my people is something I am truly proud of.’

James Whitworth, Project Manager on Bracewell’s Ponsonby site, was proud to have MATES on site.

‘Having the training delivered in Tagalog shows that we are serious about cultural diversity and the well-being of all cultures on our sites.

‘I believe it shows that we care about our Filipino brothers.’

Whitworth said delivering in Tagalog removes a barrier to understanding.

‘Together with MATES, we hope to create an environment that makes our Filipino workforce feel comfortable and confident to raise issues common to their community.

‘We believe this is a positive approach to mental health within our industry.’

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Teaming up with the Mental Health Foundation New Zealand, James has taken up the Mullet Matters Challenge, committing to growing his locks as well as promoting the mental health conversation.

The Mullet Matters campaign asks participants to grow a statement, shape a connection and raise funds to keep MHFNZ’s vital resources free and support a million conversations about our mental health across Aotearoa. While often concealed under his blue hard hat, Sendall dons his ‘helmet of hair’ as he delivers training, checks in on sites and spreads the MATES message.

The proud Palmerston North native jokes that his mullet both keeps his neck sun-safe during the summer and enables presentability within his professional life at front-facing angles.

Asked what James’s mullet means to him, the answer was simple.

‘Strength and Power. My mullet is influenced by the great heroes of the squared circle (Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and, the one and only, Eddie Guerrero – circa ’98).

‘My mullet is part of who I am and how I express myself.’

The opportunity came as a surprise when Chris Taylor from MHFNZ contacted MATES looking for flying mullets for the campaign.

‘I was asked for by name, which came as a bit of a shock as I like to think of myself as invisible at times.

‘As a young dude growing up, appearance isn’t always a priority; for me, it always has been. That is why I mention famous wrestlers of the past and their influence on me.’

Mental Health has become a fundamental focus of James’ adult life, joining MATES as a Field Officer in 2021.

‘This experience has shown me that this haircut I sport is somewhat recognisable to the public and adds to the kaupapa of the campaign and what we do here at MATES.

‘A key part of what we do here at MATES is trying to break down that stigma of people expressing themselves, putting their hands up when they need help or even when they don’t.’

MATES is proud to see James join forces with the Mental Health Foundation and continue conversations about both mullets and mental health.

MORE | https://themulletmatters.co.nz/

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The Garden Party will take place this Saturday 11 March at the picturesque Kate Sheppard House in Ilam, Christchurch with Nicole joining three other speakers – Zoe Cummins, Jessica Halliday and Beccie Connaughton.

With #EmbraceEquity at the heart of International Women’s Day 2023, Nicole reflects on the women who have paved the way.

Nicole will talk about what International Women’s Day means to her, drawing on the inspiration of the strong, independent wahine in her life and the industry.

‘Attending NAWIC events, as a guest or speaker, are always pinch me moments. I turn up knowing I will be surrounded by individuals who lead change, embrace change, and empower it.’

When a friend recently described Nicole as a force, it brought about a big smile.

‘Girls and women are often told and taught to be quiet or not to stand out. I’m here to stand out and take others with me.’

As a Field Officer/Case Manager for MATES in Construction, Nicole wears many hats that allow her to do just that.

‘I’m a facilitator, communicator, connection to help, advocate for change and support person.

‘If you’re keen, you’ll never stop learning.

‘For me, it’s always been about getting my boots dirty; learning the hard way has always been my motto.’

Having spent nine years across various roles in the construction industry, Nicole had some advice for any women looking to join or progress in the construction industry.

‘Women shouldn’t be told to go for it because you’ve ticked all the boxes previously. Go for it because you believe in yourself.’

Hear more from Nicole and fellow MATES Field Officer Nadia Bindel in a special International Women’s Day episode of the MATES Hey Bro podcast – out now.

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While the team of four – consisting of Tessa Aukje Dekker, Ian Walsh, Josh Gordon and Luke Carroll – are firmly focused on the challenges that lie ahead, Good Mates Adventure Racing are delighted to help promote better mental health and suicide awareness.

“While we’re outdoor lovers, builders, bankers and crusty multisporters, we all have a conviction to better mental health and suicide awareness, having been touched by this personally.

“MATES do amazing mahi in an industry that sadly has the highest rates of suicide in New Zealand.”

The Godzone Adventure Race is an endurance event with up to 7 days and nights of trekking, navigating, packrafting and mountain-biking. The team are set to be tested on several fronts, combining the disciplines of packrafting, mountain-biking, kayaking and trekking.

There are 12 stages and 11 transitions. While the expected winning times are 4-5 days, the teams have 8 days to complete the event if they are to go home with a Full Course sticker.

“Good Mates Adventure Racing are all about making hard things in life a little easier. Yes, we know, kind of ironic for a team taking on GodZone.”

Another challenge the team faces is the unknown, with the handing out of maps coming just hours before the event gets underway.

Ian Walsh, who has five GodZones under his belt and is the fearless leader of Good Mates Adventure Racing, knows what it means to rely on your Mates while competing.

“In a team of four we keep each other going with minimal sleep and a reasonable degree of discomfort. It is an environment where everyone suffers at some stage but then there are also amazing ‘highs’ as we see mountain tops at sunrise and sunset, amazing river gorges and placid lakes seldom visited by others.

“It seems to mirror a year of normal living but packed into a seven-day period. Needless to say, you get to know your teammates very well.”

Set to make his first GodZone appearance, Luke Carroll is excited to do his part to break the stigma around mental health and suicide.

“All I want is to see the conversation be a normal one when it comes to mental health and suicide. No holding the cards close, a conversation where we are all happy or yarn about our troubles and challenges openly so we can better help each other.”

The post Mates Racing for MATES | Good Mates Adventure Racing appeared first on Mates in Construction NZ.

Remember – if you or a MATE is struggling, this is not the time to be doing it tough on your own!

You can call MATES on 0800 111 315.

Looking after our mates in a crisis

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all our friends and whānau affected by the extraordinary events over the past month.

The team at MATES have been staying connected, checking in with one another and giving a helping hand where needed. 

With many people across the affected regions impacted, the stress of this weather event is set to go beyond the many millimetres of rain that have fallen. This can put further pressure on personal finances, relationships and mental wellbeing. During times of crisis – and through what could be a lengthy recovery – it is important to look after one another and also recognise when you are feeling overwhelmed.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Uncertainty affects us all differently. Talking to people can help.

Click on the image to download the Mental Heath Advice for Dealing with Crisis Resource.

Crisis Resource

Self-Care Resource

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The whānau is growing and this time, we’ve gone national! Over the last two weeks we have welcomed five new members to the MATES team: Maddie, Nate, Fletcher, Evan and Amanda.

 

Maddie and Nate come to us having both served in the New Zealand Army. Maddie is ready to “spread more awareness and provide tools to change the narrative on suicide”. Nate is keen to use his Military leadership skills in his new role as a field officer. Both Maddie and Nate will be joining our existing field officer Charlie to support the greater Canterbury region.

 

In the deep south, MATES has welcomed Fletcher and Evan to make up the Dunedin team. Fletcher comes from a construction background and wants to “get out and help bridge that gap” and support open conversations about suicide. Evan has a background in community social work and is excited to join the MATES mission.

 

Last but not least, we welcome Amanda, our Research, Policy & Communications Manager who will be joining the Senior Leadership Team alongside Victoria and Gloria. With a background in Social Research & Evaluation Amanda is excited to use her skills and experience to support mates evidence the impact of our services and tell the MATES story.

 

We are still recruiting for a National Case Manager based in our Auckland Office so check out the Join Us on the Get Involved tab to find out more

The post The whānau is growing and this time, we’ve gone national! appeared first on Mates in Construction NZ.

Have you checked in on your mate today? As Omicron cases rise and more of us are having to isolate, make sure your mates are doing okay.

 

• Keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or internet, but make sure you don’t go around to visit.

• You could offer to go and get food/kai and medicine. Find a safe drop-off point outside the house for them to leave supplies.

• There is a COVID-19 welfare support line (0800 512 337, 7 days a week) if anyone needs help with kai or other welfare support.

• The isolation period for COVID-19 is 10 days. You can go back to normal life on day 11.

 

Here are some things you could ask when you check in on a mate checkup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPFe4g2oMb0&t=26s

The post Have you checked in on your mates today? appeared first on Mates in Construction NZ.

We have given our website a bit of a facelift for the New year. The site is still packed with all the resources and information about the MATES programme, but we are hoping it’s a little easier to navigate. Any feedback is always welcome just email us on our Contact Us page to let us know what you think.

 

If you haven’t already checked out our website you can go have a look around.

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