Men's Health Week

Men’s Health Week (MHW) is an annual nationwide campaign. The core message is simple: men should take small, proactive steps toward a healthier life — from regular check-ups to lifestyle improvements.

Why it Matters in Aotearoa

• On average, Kiwi boys live nearly four years less than girls born at the same time. Men’s mortality from heart disease, diabetes, suicide, and road accidents substantially exceeds that of women.

• Nearly eight New Zealand families lose a male loved one every day to preventable health conditions.

• Men are less likely to seek help—New Zealand men are overrepresented in suicide statistics and often delay mental health support.

Minister Matt Doocey highlights Men’s Health Week as “a good and timely reminder that no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid to reach out”

Getting Involved — What You Can Do

1. Book a Health Check

   Visit your GP for blood pressure, cholesterol, and mental health screenings. This simple step is the core call-to-action of the campaign.

2. Try the “What’s Your Score?” quiz

   The official MHW site offers a short survey covering diet, exercise, screenings, and emotional support—designed to prompt healthier habits.menshealthweek.co.nz.

3. Join Physical & Community Activities

   Get moving—join community walks, small-group sports, or fitness challenges to boost both physical health and social connection.

4. Promote Wear‑Blue Day

   On Friday 13 June, don blue clothes in solidarity, raise awareness, and spark conversation around men’s health

5. Focus on Mental Health

   Check in with your emotions, reach out if needed, or support someone else to do so.

6. Tap into Resources

   Download free toolkits, posters, quizzes, podcasts, and community resources from the MHW website.

Why Taking Part Makes a Difference

1. Early detection saves lives
   Routine check-ups can catch conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and skin cancers early, before they become serious.
   

2. Breaking stigma
   Showing up, talking about it, wearing blue—these actions signal that looking after your health isn't weakness—it’s strength.
   

3. Supporting each other
   A check-in with a mate or a simple reminder to see a doc can change someone’s life.

Men’s Health Week is more than a calendar event—it’s a call to action for Kiwi men to invest in their health, well‑being, and whānau. These seven days may spark habits that benefit you for a lifetime.

Let’s join shoulder-to-shoulder with mates, families, and the wider community to make New Zealand a healthier place for men. Kia kaha!