2 September 2025
Tend Health has launched a new free mental health support service, making it easier for New Zealanders to access help for everyday wellbeing challenges.
Matched dollar-for-dollar by Tend, the service is funded through a $1.97 million investment from the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund and is available online through the Tend app.
It offers up to three free 30-minute sessions with qualified Health Improvement Practitioners. Designed for people experiencing mild to moderate concerns such as stress, burnout, relationship worries, workplace issues, or anxiety, most people need only one or two sessions to feel supported and move forward.
“At Tend, our focus is on making healthcare genuinely easier to reach, and mental health is an essential part of that.” says Dr Graham Denyer, Chief Medical Officer at Tend. “By matching this government investment, we can help remove the barriers of cost, distance, or the hesitation people often feel about seeking mental health support. This service is confidential, free, and available to anyone in New Zealand with a phone.””
The online model makes the service accessible nationwide, with a strong focus on communities who have traditionally faced challenges accessing care, including Māori, Pacific peoples, young people and those living in rural and remote areas. No GP referral or enrolment with Tend is required – people simply self-refer through the Tend app.
“This is about timely, practical support,” says Dr Denyer. "We’ve designed this as a brief intervention service because the evidence is clear that many people only need one or two focused sessions with a skilled practitioner to feel heard, gain perspective and move forward.”
The fund supports innovative, community-driven mental health initiatives. Dr Denyer says the matched funding is an important part of its success. “It’s important that this work is a shared effort. By matching the government’s investment, we’re showing our commitment to building a lasting, long-term contribution to the mental wellbeing of New Zealanders.”
The service complements, rather than replaces, services like the 1737 helpline.
Learn more about Tend’s mental health and wellness services.
Important note: This service is not suitable for emergencies, complex or long-term mental health needs, or situations where medication is required. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you, or someone you know is needing to talk to someone urgently, free call 0508 828 865.