MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND
MEDIA RELEASE
27 July 2007
National depression campaign wins prestigious NZ marketing award
The national depression campaign has been named New Zealand’s best not-for-profit marketing campaign, after winning a
prestigious award at the New Zealand Marketing Magazine Marketing Awards in Auckland last night.
Launched in October last year, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression and
encourages people to seek help early. John Kirwan’s involvement in the depression campaign TV ads, which see him speak
openly and honestly about his experience of depression, has been a prominent feature in raising awareness.
Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, who manage the campaign on behalf of the Ministry of
Health, said:
“We are delighted that the national depression campaign has won this award. It is a recognition of the hard work of all
those involved, and more importantly that the messages are reaching New Zealanders and that they are taking action.
“In particular we must acknowledge the invaluable work of the depression line counsellors who provide support and advice
to those who call.”
Judges for the NZ Marketing Magazine awards were impressed by the way the campaign had taken a hidden issue and
succeeded in changing attitudes. (www.marketingmag.co.nz)
One significant success of the campaign is the number of men who have called the depression support line for help. So
much so, that the number of men and women calling the support line has been nearly equal.
The NZ Marketing Magazine Marketing Awards celebrate proven excellence in New Zealand marketing and are the premier
awards benchmarking excellence across all aspects of marketing.
ENDS