By Thursday, 18 September 2025, 1:53 Pm Press Release: Toi Ora Live Art Trust
Copyright scoop
It costs just $60 for a person to attend a two-hour
creative class at Toi Ora, a cost-effective and
scientifically proven way to boost wellbeing, compared with
an overnight stay in a psychiatric unit at around
In Auckland, where one in three adults
experience mental health challenges, Toi Ora is a vital part
of the recovery and wellbeing landscape, supporting and
alleviating the mental health system.
Established in
1995 by people with lived experience of mental health
challenges, Toi Ora now runs more than 20 creative classes
each week from its Grey Lynn studio and offsite around
Auckland, alongside a gallery space where artists can
showcase their work.
Independent research shows Toi
Ora’s programmes have a transformative impact. A QWB Lab
report found participants experienced a 52% increase in
happiness and a 48% reduction in anxiety. For nearly half,
the wellbeing benefits lasted well beyond the class, with
one in four reporting a ‘wellbeing lift’ that lasted a
week or more.
This forms the basis of Toi Ora’s
marketing and fundraising campaign Art is our Anchor calling
on New Zealanders to support vital creative classes to
enhance wellbeing.
Beyond the numbers are real people.
Ross Berry, who joined Toi Ora during one of the most
difficult times in his life, says: “Toi Ora gave me a
sense of purpose, when I could have just as easily sunk and
gone the other way.”
Other key findings
• Social connection saves lives – 30% of
participants reported their biggest outcome was connecting
with others, despite not expecting this.
builds resilience – Over 80% said they learned new skills,
improved their creative abilities, and felt
• Preventing harm – A Deloitte study
estimated Toi Ora’s programmes prevented 24.5 cases of
self-harm in a single year.
“Healing doesn’t
always happen in a clinic. It can begin with a brushstroke,
a melody, and a moment of shared creativity,” says Toi Ora
Director Susanne Ritzenhoff.
With registrations
doubling in the past year to 500 artists, demand is growing
rapidly. Toi Ora is calling on New Zealanders to help
sustain and expand these life-saving
programmes.
Donate today:
https://toiora.org.nz/art-is-our-anchor/
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