Southern Cross supports Pause Breathe Smile

Equipping our tamariki with the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs is a critical priority for Aotearoa. That is why Southern Cross Healthcare – a for-purpose organisation owned by Southern Cross Health Trust – fully funds Pause Breathe Smile. This support enables the proven mindfulness programme to be available free of charge to any kura, primary or intermediate school in New Zealand.

At Southern Cross, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive—and every teacher deserves support to make that happen. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Pause Breathe Smile, New Zealand’s research-backed mindfulness in schools programme.

Through this partnership, we’re helping tamariki build resilience, improve focus, manage emotions, and develop positive relationships—while giving teachers tools to create calmer, more connected classrooms and to care for their own wellbeing. By supporting Pause Breathe Smile, we’re investing in a generation of confident, mindful learners and the educators guiding them.

Growing healthy young minds

Mental health challenges among our young people are well documented, but if we intervene early, we can make a real difference and set them up for a healthy future.  

Teaching our tamariki how to be mindful in their everyday lives is super helpful. The Pause Breathe Smile programme, with its emphasis on equipping tamariki with practical skills, is delivering demonstrable results now that point to continued positive outcomes for the future. We believe investing in the next generation is one of the most important things we can do to ensure our people, communities, and New Zealand continue to thrive.

Free mindfulness resources

Southern Cross believes it’s vital that all tamariki and whānau can access the tools and skills required to help navigate life’s challenges and build mind health. That’s why we’ve made the Pause Breathe Smile programme available free of charge to any primary and intermediate school in New Zealand. Pause Breathe Smile also offers resources for use at home or in the classroom, including guided mindfulness practices, videos and activities that are suitable for tamariki, rangatahi and adults alike.