The Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation funds quality New Zealand-based research on mental health and addiction. Since 1967, it has distributed over a million dollars for research on topics such as causes of mental ill-health, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder, and ways to improve equitable access to mental health and addiction services. Funding has contributed to significant breakthroughs in mental health and addiction knowledge and services. It has supported world-renown research teams and helped launch the careers of new researchers in this field. There is an urgent need to address New Zealand’s mental health and addiction problems through quality, local research that recognizes our unique cultural and social context. The Oakley Foundation is a relatively small fund that allocates approximately $60,000 per annum. Much more could be done if we can grow the fund. We call on those who want to see progress in the mental health and addiction field in New Zealand to make a donation or bequest to the Oakley Mental Health Research Foundation.