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mates invitations - knowing how to spot the invitations

Changes in behaviour that you or a mate might be displaying. These are not one-off incidences, but rather happening more often than usual.

Do you see your mate angry and agitated easily?

Suicide Prevention in Construction | MATES in Construction

Do you see your mate drinking a lot more than usual?

Do you see your mate isolating himself and not wanting to talk to people?

Do you see your mate unable to concentrate and drift off?

Do you see your mate showing up late or even not making it to work at all?

how to get involved

Find out about our partners programme and how your organisation can get involved.

become a partner

construction workers

Are you having
thoughts of suicide?

Is your mate having
thoughts of suicide?

get help now

mates on site

MATES in Construction believes in building workplace communities and increasing the capability of the workforce to look out for their MATES.

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MATES in Construction New Zealand

The MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry – helping our people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing.

The impact of this community-based approach then goes beyond the workplace and into our every-day lives.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable professional support. MATES Field Officers are trained in suicide intervention skills and have experience with the Building and Construction Industry. This allows them to engage easily with the workers on site.

about us

workers inducted

connectors trained

sites have received our programme

call backs made

companies have become investment partners

What is our Mana Ake – unique identity?

‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari i te toa takitini’

‘My strength is not of a single warrior but that of many’

We live by our Uara (values);

Manaakitangata – the care and wellbeing of those we work with and for

Whakawhanaungatanga– building strong, sustainable relationships

Pono / Tika – striving for what is true and right in all that we do

Mataoratanga – physically, spiritually and mentally healthy

Matatautanga – striving for excellence in everything you do and celebrate your successes with humility

Tumautanga – contribution and service to others

Last year over 654 New Zealanders died by suicide.

1 in 20 people have a thought of suicide in any two-week period.

There has also been an increase in the Maori and Pasifika population contributing to our suicide numbers, a demographic heavily represented across the construction industry.

Suicide is preventable and workplace focused programmes have been found to be effective interventions.

suicide in new zealand

The Construction Industry has the highest number of suicides across all industries in New Zealand.

Research has shown us that workers find it difficult to discuss feelings and emotions with colleagues at work, and the nature of the work has made social support more difficult

MATES is an evidence based workplace suicide prevention model, developed to reduce high suicide rates in the construction industry.

Industry has stepped forward and is supporting the implementation of the MATES in Construction programme onto sites across NZ.

what we do

Construction workers are five times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work.

Research has shown us that workers find it difficult to discuss feelings and emotions with colleagues at work, and the nature of the work has made social support more difficult.

“The construction industry has the highest proportion of suicides across all industries in New Zealand.”

Nga Rahui Hau Kura: Suicide Mortality Review Committee Feasibility Study 2014–15. Report to the Ministry of Health, 31 May 2016, found that 6.9 per cent of overall suicides were in the construction industry.