ITM Strengthens Partnership with Live Well Build Well as Foundation Partner, Supporting Sector-Wide Mental Fitness in Construction
AUCKLAND, 01 October 2025 – Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative (ITM) has today been announced as the first industry Foundation Partner of Live Well Build Well (LWBW), a national mental fitness initiative supporting tradies across Aotearoa.
The partnership signals a powerful commitment to advancing mental wellbeing in the residential construction sector—at a time when industry-led support is more vital than ever.
As part of this ongoing relationship, ITM is also confirmed as the principal sponsor of the 2025 IPSOS Live Well Build Well Annual Survey, one of the most comprehensive wellbeing research efforts in the building sector. The 2025 results—gathered from tradies, apprentices, site managers, and small business owners—show encouraging shifts in both behaviour and attitudes across the industry.
An exclusive first look at key insights from the report reveals:
- More builders and tradies are actively taking steps to look after their mental fitness
- Social connection remains the top wellbeing tool on site
- Self-efficacy is rising, showing tradies feel more capable of managing challenges
- Younger workers and apprentices continue to need targeted support
- The culture is moving from awareness to action, with more workers applying mental fitness strategies on the job
The full findings of the 2025 IPSOS Survey are released today, accompanied by a sector-wide rollout of insights, digital tools, and peer-led resources.
“This partnership is about looking after the people who build New Zealand – our customers, our teams, and our communities,” says Chris Booth, GM Sales and Marketing at ITM. “Live Well, Build Well brings practical, relatable support to the industry, and we’re excited to help amplify their impact.”
Since launching in 2022, Live Well Build Well has worked with thousands of tradies through toolbox talks, peer-to-peer Champion programmes, site-based video content, and the recently launched Site Safe Mental Fitness Module. LWBW is a programme of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and receives funding support from ACC.
“Having ITM strengthen its role as a Foundation Partner is a huge milestone,” says Rafael Caso, Programme Lead at LWBW.
“They’re leaders in this space—not just by talking about mental health, but by investing in the tools and culture change our sector needs. This is about building wellbeing that lasts, and we’re proud to do that alongside them.”
The Foundation Partnership runs from August 2025 to May 2026,
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rafael Caso
Programme Lead – Live Well Build Well
021 868 229
[email protected]
www.livewellbuildwell.com
