Mental Health First Aid Certificate (Aotearoa)

1 in 5 New Zealand adults experience mental health challenges in any given year. This means that at some stage, most of us will come into contact with someone who may be struggling. Would you know how to respond?

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course teaches you how to provide initial support to an adult who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, until the situation stabilises or appropriate professional help is accessed. You’ll learn a practical, evidence-based Action Plan you can use in real life — at work, in your whānau, and in your community.

About This Course

Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa has been developed over 15 years by university researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience of mental distress in Australia and New Zealand. It is an accredited international programme delivered in over 24 countries and adapted for Aotearoa to reflect our cultures, communities, services, and statistics.

Tī Wana Services is accredited to deliver the Standard Adult Mental Health First Aid course.

You will receive a Standard Mental Health First Aider Certificate following successful completion of the two-day course and online assessment.

Course Schedule

This two-day workshop runs from 9:30am to 4:00pm on both days.

What Makes This Training Different

Small class sizes
We keep numbers limited to allow for wānanga-style learning. There is space for genuine kōrero, questions, reflection, and discussion of real-life situations — not just slides and lectures.

Practical, confidence-building learning
You will work through scenarios, practise supportive conversations, and build the confidence to respond when someone needs help.

Grounded in Aotearoa contexts
The course includes information about New Zealand services, referral pathways, and culturally relevant approaches, making the learning practical and locally applicable.

Your Ticket Includes

Two full days of accredited Mental Health First Aid training
The official MHFA Aotearoa course manual and all learning resources
Catered lunch on both days
Tea and coffee during breaks
Standard Mental Health First Aider Certificate (on completion and assessment)
Guidance on local services and where to seek further help
A supportive, discussion-based learning environment

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

Employees, team members, managers and supervisors
Contractors who work closely with others
Sports coaches, team managers and club leaders
Leaders of faith and community groups
First aiders wanting to extend their skills
Teachers, tutors, instructors and volunteers
Counsellors, life coaches and mentors
Anyone wanting more confidence to support the wellbeing of others

Whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community, this course equips you with practical skills that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Contact the host of Mental Health First Aid Course - 2-Day Christchurch Workshop