MATES in Construction NZ
MATES in Construction NZ is an Auckland-based charity that delivers free, on-site suicide prevention training, case management, and a 24/7 helpline to New Zealand construction workers through trained Field Officers and a tiered corporate partnership model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What MATES in Construction NZ does
MATES in Construction NZ is a New Zealand-registered charity founded in August 2019 and headquartered in Auckland, delivering workplace suicide prevention and mental health support services exclusively to the construction industry. The organisation operates a community-based model in which employed Field Officers, drawn from the building and construction trades, travel to construction sites nationwide to deliver three tiers of training: General Awareness Training (GAT), Connector Training, and the two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). At-risk workers are routed through Case Managers to professional support, and a 24/7 helpline (0800 111 315) and the virtual MATES Lunch Room (Zoom-based peer support) provide continuous access. The MATES Accreditation Program certifies sites and companies that meet minimum coverage thresholds (80% GAT-trained workforce, 1:20 Connector ratio, ASIST-trained worker on site), and the annual Industry Well-being Survey (3,300+ respondents in 2025) generates a longitudinal research dataset.
The organisation is funded through donations, corporate partnerships organised into Foundation, Premium, and Accredited tiers (PlaceMakers Foundation, Hawkins, Watercare, Fulton Hogan, Built Environs, McConnell Dowell, Naylor Love, Arvida, D&H Steel, Dominion Constructors), merchandise sales, and pursued government grants. All programmes and the helpline are provided free of charge to construction workers. The model has been recognised as Best Practice by the World Health Organization (2021) and received the Infrastructure NZ Outstanding Contribution to Industry award (2020); the organisation cites a $4.42 ROI per $1 invested, against an estimated $1.14B NZD annual economic cost of suicidal behaviour in the sector (80 construction worker suicides in 2023). The programme has expanded beyond Auckland regionally (first out-of-Auckland accreditation in 2021, Christchurch-based officer) and has begun producing culturally adapted training, including Tagalog-language GAT for Filipino workers. Founder/CEO Victoria McArthur departed in April 2023 after leading the organisation since inception.
MATES in Construction NZ firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MATES in Construction NZ
- Legal name
- MATES in Construction NZ
- Website
- https://mates.net.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MATES in Construction NZ is an Auckland-based charity that delivers free, on-site suicide prevention training, case management, and a 24/7 helpline to New Zealand construction workers through trained Field Officers and a tiered corporate partnership model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MATES in Construction NZ industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services
- NAICS
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
Keywords
Where MATES in Construction NZ is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
MATES in Construction NZ business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: MATES accepts donations from individuals and organisations. Community fundraising events (e.g., Auckland Half Marathon, Mt Cook Marathon) have raised amounts such as $2,000+ and $4,250. Merchandise (MATES Merch) is sold through the online shop.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship: Construction companies become Foundation Partners, Premium Partners, or Accredited Partners, providing financial and operational support. Partners include PlaceMakers Foundation, Hawkins, Built Environs, McConnell Dowell, Watercare, Fulton Hogan, Naylor Love, and others.
- Government Grants and Funding: MATES has sought government funding to ensure programme sustainability. The Suicide Prevention Office and Minister of Health have engaged with the organisation. As of 2021, MATES was still pursuing government support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Free | Free programme access for all construction industry workers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels14 records
MATES in Construction NZ product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MATES in Construction NZ delivers on-site suicide prevention training (General Awareness Training, Connector Training, and ASIST), 24/7 crisis helpline support, case management connecting at-risk workers to professional mental health services, and site accreditation programmes for construction companies across New Zealand. The organisation also runs online peer support via the MATES Lunch Room on Zoom and conducts an annual Industry Well-being Survey to inform evidence-based practice. All services are provided free of charge to construction workers.
Product overview
MATES in Construction NZ operates as a charity providing a suite of interconnected suicide prevention and mental health support services specifically designed for the New Zealand construction industry. The core offering consists of on-site training programs including General Awareness Training (GAT), Connector Training, and ASIST certification, delivered by trained Field Officers. The organization provides 24/7 crisis support through a dedicated helpline (0800 111 315) and offers Case Management services connecting at-risk workers to professional mental health support. Additional services include the MATES Lunch Room (online peer support via Zoom), COVID-19 support resources, and the MATES Accreditation Program for sites meeting defined mental health and suicide prevention standards. Research initiatives, including the annual Industry Well-being Survey, inform the evidence-based approach. The organization also sells MATES Merchandise to support fundraising efforts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MATES General Awareness Training (GAT) On-site suicide prevention training that introduces workers to the MATES programme, helping them understand the nature of suicide problems in the construction industry and providing practical tools to assist their mates. Delivered by trained Field Officers.
- Connector Training Advanced training that equips construction workers with skills to intervene and help prevent immediate risk of suicide, create safe plans, and connect people to professional help.
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Two-day intensive suicide intervention skills training that equips construction industry workers to intervene in immediate crisis situations and create safe plans while connecting individuals to professional help.
- MATES 24/7 Helpline Round-the-clock crisis telephone support line (0800 111 315) providing immediate assistance to construction workers experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts.
- Case Management Support Individual support services connecting workers identified as at risk with suitable professional mental health support through trained Case Managers.
- MATES Lunch Room Online peer support platform delivered via Zoom video conferencing, enabling construction workers to connect in a safe, structured environment with trained facilitators for daily group discussions during times of isolation or stress.
- MATES Accreditation Program Certification program for construction sites and organisations that meet minimum standards: 80% workforce trained at General Awareness level, a ratio of 1:20 Connectors, and an ASIST-trained worker on site.
- MATES Industry Well-being Survey Annual research survey providing data on mental health and well-being of construction workers, with findings published to inform industry practices and support evidence-based workplace suicide prevention.
- MATES Merchandise (MATES Merch) Branded merchandise including pink hi-vis jackets, apparel, and promotional items sold online to raise awareness and show support for mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
Quantifiable outcome
- ROI of $4.42 per $1 invested in MATES programme
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use MATES in Construction NZ
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MATES in Construction NZ technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
MATES in Construction NZ partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Arvida Group LimitedcoreArvida Group Limited achieved MATES accreditation at their Bethlehem Shores site, the first accreditation outside of Auckland. Field Officers Richie and Karon presented the accreditation.
- Watercare Services LimitedflagshipWatercare Services Limited is a Foundation Partner. The Glendowie Project (partnered with Fulton Hogan) achieved MATES accreditation. Watercare also partnered with MATES on the Central Interceptor Project during COVID-19 Level 3.
- Fulton HogancoreFulton Hogan is a Premium Partner. The Glendowie Project (partnered with Watercare) achieved MATES accreditation — a first for a Watercare-Fulton Hogan joint project.
- HawkinsflagshipHawkins was MATES in Construction NZ's first site-based Accredited site at 10 Madden Street. EGM Murray Robertson publicly endorsed the programme. Hawkins is a Premium Partner with MATES.
- D&H Steel ConstructionflagshipD&H Steel Construction was MATES in Construction NZ's first Accredited Partner (company-wide), achieving accreditation with 80% of workforce GAT-trained, 1:20 Connector ratio, and an ASIST worker on site. Managing Director Wayne Carson was presented with the accreditation plaque.
- Naylor LovecoreNaylor Love hosted MATES Connector training sessions at their sites, including the Dunedin Women's Prison site. CEO Rick Herd appeared on RNZ alongside MATES CEO Victoria McArthur.
- Building Skills Maintenance (BSM)coreBSM Roadshow partnered with MATES to include GAT as part of their 6-part seminar series across 34 destinations nationwide. MATES Field Officers delivered GAT to over 980 participants during the roadshow.
- JucyminorJucy provided a campervan for the MATES Field Officers to use during the BSM Roadie 2020, enabling national travel across New Zealand.
- Kainga OracoreKainga Ora (through its build partners) was visited by MATES Field Officers during the BSM Roadie 2020. MATES worked alongside Kainga Ora build partners as part of the national roadshow.
- Built EnvironscoreBuilt Environs partnered with MATES to deliver GAT at the Auckland City Mission site. Over half of workers were GAT trained, with several volunteering for Connector training. Built Environs HSE Advisor praised the programme.
- McConnell DowellcoreMcConnell Dowell partnered with MATES at the Auckland City Mission site and the Saint Mary's Bay site (which achieved MATES accreditation).
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MATES in Construction NZ competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Beyond Blue: Australia's largest mental health organisation providing information, support, and research across anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Broad incumbent with much larger scale and broader remit than MATES, but overlapping mission in workplace and male mental health.
- Movember Foundation: Global men's health charity funding programmes in mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Broad incumbent with overlapping men's mental health and suicide prevention funding footprint, but operates as a grantmaker rather than direct service provider.
Direct peers
- Mates in Mind (UK): UK charity raising awareness and providing training on mental health across the construction industry. Similar target population (UK construction workers), similar mission (mental health and suicide prevention), similar training-based delivery model — direct peer in a different geography.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): UK charity running a male-targeted suicide prevention helpline and public campaigns. Direct peer in male suicide prevention mission; comparable in operating a 24/7 crisis line and awareness programmes, though not industry-specific.
- The Lighthouse Club: UK-based charity providing welfare, wellbeing, and mental health support specifically to construction workers and their families. Direct peer in construction-industry-specific mental health and crisis support, operating across the UK and Ireland.
- HeadsUpGuys: Canadian men's mental health initiative from the University of British Columbia focused on depression and suicide prevention in men. Direct peer in mission (male suicide prevention) and approach (evidence-based, stigma-reducing interventions), though not industry-specific.
- MATES in Construction (Australia): MATES in Construction is the original Australian programme launched by the CFMEU that the NZ entity is directly modelled on. Same Field Officer model, same GAT/Connector/ASIST training stack, same construction-industry focus, same free-to-workers delivery — the closest possible direct peer.
Regional players
- Lifeline Aotearoa: New Zealand crisis helpline and counselling service. Regional peer offering overlapping crisis-line capability (similar to MATES' 0800 111 315 helpline) in the same geography, but as a general-population rather than industry-specific service.
- Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: New Zealand's leading mental health charity, operating nationwide awareness campaigns and resource distribution. Regional peer operating in the same geography with overlapping mental health promotion mandate but broader (non-industry-specific) remit.
- 1737 — Need to Talk? (NZ Government): New Zealand government-funded 24/7 mental health helpline, text, and online support service. Regional peer providing overlapping crisis-line services in the same geography, though free to the general population rather than industry-specific.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MATES in Construction NZ social profiles
Digital presenceMATES in Construction NZ financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MATES in Construction NZ leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
MATES in Construction NZ funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MATES in Construction NZ M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MATES in Construction NZ
What does MATES in Construction NZ do?
MATES in Construction NZ delivers on-site suicide prevention training (General Awareness Training, Connector Training, and ASIST), 24/7 crisis helpline support, case management connecting at-risk workers to professional mental health services, and site accreditation programmes for construction companies across New Zealand. The organisation also runs online peer support via the MATES Lunch Room on Zoom and conducts an annual Industry Well-being Survey to inform evidence-based practice. All services are provided free of charge to construction workers.
Is MATES in Construction NZ a public or private company?
MATES in Construction NZ is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was MATES in Construction NZ founded?
MATES in Construction NZ was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MATES in Construction NZ based?
MATES in Construction NZ is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does MATES in Construction NZ make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship and government Grants and Funding.
Who are MATES in Construction NZ's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Beyond Blue and Movember Foundation. Direct peers are Mates in Mind (UK), CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), The Lighthouse Club, HeadsUpGuys and MATES in Construction (Australia). Regional players are Lifeline Aotearoa, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and 1737 — Need to Talk? (NZ Government).
Does MATES in Construction NZ have an API?
No public API is recorded for MATES in Construction NZ.
What industry is MATES in Construction NZ in?
MATES in Construction NZ's product category is Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 624310 and its SIC code is 8300.