“Last year was my best year teaching, and I know it was no coincidence that we were launching the Pause Breathe Smile programme.”
– Pause Breathe Smile trained Primary School Teacher
Pause Breathe Smile is New Zealand’s own mindfulness-in-schools mind health initiative. We empower educators with an evidence-based programme and practical resources, ensuring that the knowledge and application of mindfulness lie in the hands of those best placed to support tamariki.
Our brand-new on-demand training option makes it easier than ever for educators and schools to access high-quality professional learning. Whether you’re introducing Pause Breathe Smile for the first time or refreshing your skills, the self-paced training allows you to learn at a time and pace that fits your schedule.
Once the formal programme has been taught to children, educators can continue to integrate and revisit key practices throughout the year—embedding mindfulness naturally into daily classroom routines and the wider school culture. This ongoing use helps build lasting wellbeing habits for both students and teachers.
Pause Breathe Smile professional learning and development is now fully funded for all Year 0- 8 teachers nationwide. Thanks to Southern Cross, any educator working within a Primary or Intermediate school or kura is eligible to train for free. There are some conditions, so check out the T&Cs to see if this applies for you.
