A person of any age, gender or ethnicity can experience loneliness. Loneliness and its painful disconnection, affects how well people interact, how well they study, how well they work. Loneliness can be a symptom of mental health issues such as depression, and suicide; and social isolation and withdrawal can be an early warning sign of deteriorating mental health.
In fact there is considerable international research evidence of the physiological, psychological, social and economic costs of loneliness and social isolation.
The New Zealand Government recognises that the current approach to mental health is not geared towards prevention and early intervention; however, there is strong evidence that prevention and early intervention in mental health is beneficial and cost effective.
Our website has been designed to help you understand loneliness in New Zealand. We’re intent on fostering great relationships with New Zealand researchers and other interested organisations who have a keen interest in loneliness. If you would like to engage in further discussion with the intention of helping New Zealanders in general become less lonely please contact us:
There is a significant amount of comprehensive information that can help you understand what has been happening with loneliness in New Zealand. To become more familiar with all these interesting facts, academic research and public policy, click on the coloured box you would like to explore or scroll down the “Loneliness in New Zealand” menu.