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The spotlight will be thrown on the history of New Zealand's Mental Health Foundation this week as it celebrates 30 years of work.
In 1977, New Zealanders donated $2.1 million in the telethon launch of the foundation, now the organisation is marking 30 years with the launch of a book on its history.
Foundation chief executive Judi Clements said the book would provide a glimpse into how attitudes to mental health have changed over 30 years.
"In 1977 mental health was an issue that was scarcely discussed, and few could have foreseen that 30 years later New Zealanders would be talking on television about their experiences."
She emphasised the change in how mental health messages were presented by the media, noting one newspaper report from the Waikato Times during Children's Week in 1978 which was headlined: "Smack, don't bash ... "
Ms Clements said the anniversary was also a chance to acknowledge those who had contributed to the foundation.
"Many individuals have made their mark over the years working for and alongside the foundation," she said.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate those contributions as well as look ahead to the work still to be done."
- NZPA
