New digital tools ramp up mental wellbeing support

By Samantha Allen

Published: March 22, 2022 | 8:47 AM GMT

The Government continues to deliver mental wellbeing support to New Zealanders, with two more digital tools now available for people who experience mental distress.

The apps, designed to help users look after and prioritise their mental wellbeing, are free and available to download on most smart devices.

“This Government wants to ensure easy and readily available access to a range of wellbeing support when and where people need it – digital supports are one way to do that,” Health Minister Andrew Little said.

The first app, Groov (formerly Mentemia), co-founded by All Black legend Sir John Kirwan, aims to support people 19 years and older with day-to-day mental wellbeing, as well as at times of increased stress or distress.

“Groov is about helping people become familiar with their own unique ‘groove’ and, through the platform, supporting them to manage and maintain their wellbeing,” Sir John said.

“Tools include personality quizzes to help people get to know themselves better; a breath-training tool to control stress; and a mood tracker to recognise patterns, triggers and identify opportunities for change – it’s exciting the availability of Groov has been extended and continues to be free to anyone who wants to use it,” Sir John said.

The second app, HABITs Messenger, is a chatbot platform co-designed with young people by Auckland University.

Aimed at 12-to-18-year-olds, it supports brief interactive chat sessions designed to feel like you’re messaging a friend.

It features three support options: Aroha – stress support for COVID, Headstrong – a personal trainer for the mind, and Stress Detox – general stress support.

“We are creating more options to help people.

These are supports that focus on prevention, early intervention and providing services for those with immediate needs,” Andrew Little said.

“This Government did the right thing in making the biggest investment in mental wellbeing in our history to date, and has continued to deliver supports that are now making a difference to thousands of people across the country.”
The services were funded from the $1.9 billion Wellbeing Budget in response to He Ara Oranga – the Government Inquiry into Mental Health.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.