Mind health programme Pause Breathe Smile reaches 200,000 tamariki
A significant milestone has been reached for youth wellbeing in Aotearoa, New Zealand with 200,000 tamariki now having taken part in the Pause Breathe Smile programme.
Delivered in primary and intermediate schools, Pause Breathe Smile equips children aged 5 to 12 with practical tools to help them navigate life’s ups and downs. The programme focuses on building emotional awareness, resilience and positive relationships.
Developed in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation in 2013, Pause Breathe Smile integrates evidence-based mindfulness practices and is grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori model of holistic wellbeing.
Pause Breathe Smile co-founder Grant Rix says the milestone represents far more than a number.
“What matters to me isn’t the milestone itself, but the 200,000 young people behind it. Each of them has had the opportunity to build skills that support their wellbeing, resilience and kindness – and that gives me real hope for the future.”
Tracy Thorn, principal at Palmerston North’s Milson School primary school reflects on the programme, “One of our dads got into some trouble after getting some medication stuck in his windpipe and was unable to breathe. He was at home alone with his six-year-old daughter and was panicking. His daughter used Pause Breathe Smile breathing with her dad to try to calm him down. She ended up running in the dark to her neighbour to get help - and the dad is OK. Naturally we have made a big fuss of her.”
An independent evaluation by Mindquip of the programme showed Pause Breathe Smile is helping more children to flourish, with teachers reporting improvements in focus, perseverance and emotional regulation, and reductions in anxiety and disengagement. Nearly three-quarters say they continue to see a positive impact on students a year after delivery, with many also reporting increased satisfaction in their own work.
Pause Breathe Smile has been fully funded by Southern Cross Healthcare since 2020, supporting its expansion into 717 schools across New Zealand and allowing it to be delivered free of charge.
Chris White, CEO, Southern Cross Healthcare, says the milestone highlights the importance of giving young people practical wellbeing tools early in life.
This is the kind of support that can make a meaningful and lasting difference. We’ve been proud to back Pause Breathe Smile over the past six years, helping to create a positive ripple effect in classrooms, homes, and communities across Aotearoa.”
