These six-day wellness weeks provide respite, recovery, and rehabilitation for 12 first responders and defence personnel, featuring a variety of services. Our current program focuses on stress and burnout, offering a holistic approach that includes:

• Structured physical training sessions designed to support physical health, confidence, and stress release

• Outdoor and nature-based activities that encourage grounding, reflection, and mental reset

• Guided mental wellbeing workshops focused on stress, anxiety, burnout, and emotional regulation

• Access to qualified mental health professionals and specialist clinical support

• Peer-to-peer connection opportunities with others who understand service life and its challenges

• Education sessions providing practical tools for coping strategies, resilience building, and wellbeing maintenance

• Culturally informed wellbeing approaches that reflect Te Ao Māori values and holistic health principles

• Nutritional support and education to promote recovery and overall health

• Dedicated rest and recovery periods built into the programme structure

• Family and whānau-inclusive components to strengthen relationships and shared understanding

• Transition and reintegration support for those returning to work or managing burnout

• Practical tools and strategies to embed wellbeing practices into daily life beyond the programme

The program integrates the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā and is designed in collaboration with Massey University, the New Zealand Defence Force, and Te Kiwi Māia's Māori Cultural and Psychological Health Advisors. The wellness week provides a combination of teaching, psychoeducation, and discussion alongside opportunities for self-care and rest, including time for reflection, reading, and walks along the beach. Specialist service providers lead these activities onsite at the wellness week. 

The benefits of the Wellness Weeks include happier and healthier NZDF personnel and first responders, contributing to a more resilient, effective, and high-functioning military and emergency response workforce. TKM Wellness Weeks offer a safe and inclusive space for participants to rest, recover, and rejuvenate, enabling them to better serve and perform their roles both in uniform and at home.