Welcome to the official hub of Kick Start the Kōrero — Northland Rugby Union’s mental wellbeing campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. This initiative is all about creating space for honest conversations around mental health within our rugby community. Here, you’ll find powerful videos from our players sharing their own journeys, practical mental health resources, and direct links to support services. Whether you’re a player, coach, whānau member, or fan — your wellbeing matters. Let’s break the silence, check in on one another, and build a stronger, more connected Northland together.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, free help is available 24/7. Call or text 1737 to connect with a trained counsellor — it’s completely confidential and free of charge.
Healthpoint provides up-to-date information on mental health and addiction services available across Northland. Explore local kaupapa Māori and other support options to find the right help for you or your whānau.
Developed by New Zealand Rugby, Mind. Set. Engage. is a mental health and wellbeing programme designed specifically for the rugby community. It offers practical tools, videos, and support to help players, coaches, and clubs create a stronger culture of care both on and off the field.
Our Players Talk Mental Health
Our Northland players are raising awareness of “Kick Starting the Kōrero” by discussing topics such as stress, pressure, how they care for their own wellbeing, their perspectives on mental health, and how to spot signs that a mate might be struggling. We hope that by seeing our senior Northland players speak openly about mental health, we can encourage our rangatahi to do the same.
