Brave Hearts NZ/Manawa Kaha Aotearoa

We are a whānau and family addiction support service dedicated to helping and advocating for those with loved ones who have become addicted to substance use. Our community has been directly affected by the daily trauma and offers hope for a better future for families and their loved ones.

Our Kaupapa – A United Family Strategy

Te Tahi I Te Whānau Awhina

In 2016, three individuals—two mums and a local police officer—came together to form a support group for families impacted by methamphetamine addiction, following their own personal struggles with a loved one’s addiction. The overwhelming response to their first meeting, with 60 attendees, highlighted a significant need for support, as many families were unaware of the signs of addiction or where to find help. This humble beginning quickly grew into a registered charity, now known as Brave Hearts NZ.

Brave Hearts NZ focuses on providing support and education to families affected by substance abuse. The organisation aims to reduce the stigma and judgment that families of addicts often face, fostering a community based on empathy, integrity, and inclusivity. As a result of their efforts, they help create strong support networks that aid in the recovery process.

According to the 2018 State of the Nation Report by the Salvation Army, methamphetamine use was recognised as a major social issue, and the costs to families were estimated at $438 million. Brave Hearts NZ seeks to address this by offering monthly support groups across New Zealand, helping an average of 80 people per month through their freephone service, the individual Whānau Toolkit sessions, the Facebook group and resources to connect families with other support services.

The charity has expanded significantly, with over 2500 whānau on their email database and 3300 members in their Facebook group. Brave Hearts NZ is dedicated to building stronger communities and eliminating stigma.

In 2022, we collaborated with Bethlehem Tertiary Institute on a research project examining addiction’s impact on families. The study included an online survey with 750 participants and interviews with 10 families. Findings revealed significant harm to family members. A summary of the research was accepted for presentation at Cutting Edge 2023.

Our work has given us a unique perspective on the needs and gaps in mental health care systems.