The Push Up Challenge, 5-27 Feb 2026

How it works

The aim: 2,000 push-ups between 5-27 February. Don't worry if you aren’t a push-up pro. Try sit-ups, squats, lunges – whatever works for you.

The goal: to build awareness of the importance of mental health encourage us all to look out for one another, especially when things get tough.

How to get involved

1. Sign up via the official website

You’ll be prompted to select a community. Choose whether you'd like to be part of the Navy, Army, Air or wider NZDF community.

You can then join an existing team, or create your own team with friends, colleagues, or your unit.

Each day the Mental Health Foundation will send you a daily target to help you hit 2,000 reps in 23 days (rest days included).

2. Join in during PT

Turn up to PT as often as you can during the month of February and knock out those reps together!

3. Learn, connect, and start conversations

This campaign is about improving physical and mental health. Explore the resources, start meaningful conversations, share a message – or photo – on social media, and fundraise to support mental health across Aotearoa.

Wellbeing resources

Throughout February, take time to explore a wide range of tools and resources available to our NZDF community. Here are some great places to begin:

How to be a good mate: Find guidance on how to support friends and colleagues through here.
Top tips from our Chief Mental Health Officer: Hear from LTCOL Steve Kearney on checking in with a mate, connecting with someone who is feeling down, and expressing gratitude.
Download the free NZDF ResCo (Resilience Coach) app: Developed specifically to reinforce skills that will help keep you at the top of your game. Available for download on both Apple and Android phones. Find out more about ResCo here.
Watch The Science and Practice of Resilience with Dr Lucy Hone: Click here to learn how to build your resilience recipe, overcome the brain's negativity bias, and more.

Time for a mental health check-in?

Wondering if you need professional help? You can find some helpful guidance here. Click here for information on what to expect if you ask for help, and here to bust some common mental health myths.

You can also follow these hotlinks for quick and anonymous self-checks on your currents levels of resilience, anxiety and depression, and the health of your relationships, along with suggestions for improving these.

Need support?

If you are ever worried about your – or someone else's – mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or your local Defence Health Centre doctor.

Other options include contacting:

NZDF4U Wellbeing Support on 0800 NZDF4U (0800 693 348), text 8881, or email wellbeingsupport@nzdf4u.co.nz for 24/7 free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support from a health professional outside of the NZDF.
your local NZDF Social Worker.
your local Defence Chaplain.