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5 January 2026
With the holidays behind us and reality settling in, January brings that familiar mix of possibility and pressure. It's goal-setting season, and the urge to "make this year count" is real.
Whether you're shifting from holiday mode, thinking about the year ahead, or simply trying to find your rhythm, the start of the year can feel overwhelming.
What often derails our best intentions isn't lack of motivation – it's the mental load we're carrying. The busy thoughts, the competing priorities, the sense that there's too much to sort through. It's real and it's common.
At Tend, we've noticed something interesting. Whilst everyone talks about gym memberships and detox plans, many Kiwis are doing something different. They're taking 30 minutes to talk things through with a trained professional – getting some perspective before diving into the year ahead.
A 30-minute check-in
Tend's free mental wellness check-in isn't therapy or crisis support. It's something refreshingly practical: a focused conversation with a qualified health improvement practitioner who can help you talk through what's on your mind and explore what might help.
Think of it as a chance to pause and take stock. Just as you might chat to a mate about what's going on, this is a structured conversation with someone trained to listen.
It takes just 30 minutes. No ongoing commitment. No waiting lists. No referrals needed. A simple video chat tomorrow – or even later today if that suits you.
Why now?
The start of the year can feel pressured. Add in the financial reality check from Christmas and the weight of resolutions, and many of us feel stretched before February arrives.
People tell us that having someone to talk to – even briefly – helps them feel more settled. Having space to voice what's on your mind can be valuable, whatever you're navigating.
Your move, no strings attached
Tend's service is completely free for all New Zealanders over 16. No catch. No paperwork. No need to see your GP first. It's confidential, professional and designed for real life.
Whether you're thinking through work-life balance, processing the busyness of the season, or just want someone to talk to, taking 30 minutes for yourself is a reasonable thing to do.
This January, give yourself space to pause. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is simply talk things through, and we're here when you're ready.
Simply download the Tend app to book your free mental wellness check-in.