Looking after our wellbeing

A message from Liz Kelly, Te Tumu Whakarae | CEO

Last week brought us Mental Health Awareness Week (6-12 October).

It’s a good reminder that mental wellbeing should be a critical part of all our lives, individually, as whānau, and as a community.

This year’s theme was about connecting with what lifts us up (you can read more about it here). And I wanted to share a personal example to show how important that is.

Recently, I took a week off. No meetings. No emails. No rushing from one kaupapa to the next.

I let myself rest. I took leisurely walks on the beach. I spent time with my whānau and caught up on small things at home.

At first, I felt uneasy. Work was waiting, and my calendar was full.

But as the days passed, I realised how much I needed that break. My energy returned. My thoughts cleared. I came back stronger and more focused.

That time off reminded me that we all need to top up our mental health.

Like many of you, I juggle different roles. I have whānau commitments.

I lead the Porirua Whānau Centre. I also represent Ngāti Toa Rangatira on Wellington City Council committees.

And each of these roles and the responsibilities that come with them matter deeply to me.

I give them my best, but carrying so much can be heavy.

Even with a strong heart, there are times when my body and mind tell me to slow down. And I’ve learned to pay attention to those signals.

Too often, we think rest can wait until the work is done. Or we treat it like a reward at the end of a long list, but sometimes the truth is different.

Caring for our mental wellbeing shouldn’t be optional; it is essential.

Just as we feed our tamariki, support our kaumātua, and provide for our community, we must also care for ourselves. When our own wellbeing is steady, we are better for those around us.

I know many of you carry big responsibilities. You may be raising children, working long hours, caring for whānau, or giving time to the community.

In those moments, stepping back can feel selfish, but it isn’t.

Self-care gives strength to the whole whānau, so a parent who rests is more patient. A kaumātua who feels nourished is more resilient. A leader who recharges can lead with energy and focus.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to ask yourself what helps you feel restored.

It doesn’t have to be a major change – it could be a walk by the water, a quiet cup of tea, a laugh with friends, or simply going to bed earlier.

Small steps make a big difference.

So, I encourage you during Mental Health Awareness Week to pause, reflect, and think about how you’re really doing.

Then take one action (big or small) that will support your mental wellbeing.