Before completing the Pause Breathe Smile training, Jacinda Page, General Manager of the Southern Cross Health Trust and mum of two, admits she knew little about mindfulness. But the experience quickly showed her why a partnership between Pause Breathe Smile and Southern Cross makes sense.
“I was incredibly impressed by the science behind mindfulness and the impact it can have on thinking and behaviour,” says Jacinda. “I like facts and figures, and that really resonated.”
The partnership is grounded in shared values, with both organisations committed to supporting teachers, strengthening school communities, and investing in the mental health of New Zealand tamariki.
Why Schools?
While health and education may seem only loosely connected, they are deeply linked. At Southern Cross, the focus isn’t just on treating illness, but on helping people stay well through a holistic approach to physical and mental health.
That’s why supporting Pause Breathe Smile makes sense. Mental health skills are best learned early, and schools are a natural place to build these foundations. As Jacinda explains, “Primary and intermediate schools are an ideal environment to teach children the mental health skills they’ll use for life.”
Impact That Reaches Classrooms Across Aotearoa
Through this partnership, Pause Breathe Smile has reached one in three Primary and Intermediate school-aged children over the past five years. Research done over those years shows increases in positive attitudes and behaviours such as focus, perseverance, and enthusiasm, as well as decreases in disinterest, irritability, and anxiety. Overall, tamariki can better recognise and name their emotions, use practical strategies to manage big feelings, and show greater empathy and kindness towards others.
“The generous support of Southern Cross has enabled us to provide free training to over 10,500 educators from more than 600 schools nationwide – meaning that these evidence-based, practical mindfulness skills have reached more than 170,000 tamariki. This shows an enormously successful wellbeing partnership” says Natasha Rix, Chief Executive of Pause Breathe Smile Trust.
“‘What we know is that when implemented by well-informed educators, there are positive impacts on wellbeing and reductions in negative behaviours, well after Pause Breathe Smile has initially been taught.”
Unlike one-off initiatives, Pause Breathe Smile is designed to be integrated into everyday teaching. Teachers are provided with a thorough programme of child-friendly mindfulness lessons including practices, activities, and resources all created to be simple and accessible for schools. This results in calmer classrooms and greater emotional resilience.
Investing in the Wellbeing of Future Generations
Southern Cross’s funding commitment to Pause Breathe Smile is an investment in the long-term wellbeing of New Zealanders, with a shared ambition to help create a generation of young people equipped with lifelong mind health skills. By supporting tamariki early, this work aims to strengthen not only individual resilience, but the future wellbeing of our nation.
New Zealand is unique in its culture, history, the role of te ao Māori and the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, explains Jacinda. “We’re a New Zealand organisation, so it’s important for us to support home-grown initiatives that authentically reflect our culture while improving the wellbeing of tamariki.”
At the Pause Breathe Smile Trust, we’re grateful for this partnership that goes beyond funding — a partnership grounded in shared purpose and a commitment to wellbeing that starts where it matters most.