May has been a massive month for the team. We’ve been all over the motu visiting schools, catching up with supporters, and spending time with people across the business and fitness communities who genuinely want to help more young Kiwis access support earlier.
There’s a real willingness out there right now to keep these conversations going — and to back practical support that actually reaches kids when they need it. We’re feeling very grateful for that. π€
π« Hope in Schools
Ruby and Noah have absolutely smashed it this month, covering serious ground and bringing Little People, Big Feelings to tamariki right across the country.
From Beach Haven Primary in Auckland, to TaupΕ Primary, Selwyn Primary and Waipahihi Primary in the Bay of Plenty region, through to Stirling School and Brockville Primary down in Otago — they’ve been out there having the kinds of conversations that stay with kids long after the school bell goes.
Noah and Mike spoke at Te Kauwhata College for a Year 7–11 talk, opening up honest conversations around emotions, mental wellbeing, and what it means to ask for help early. The feedback keeps reminding us why this programme matters so much. Kids feeling seen. Kids opening up. Teachers telling us students are still talking about the visits days later. ππ
And honestly, the mahi our young ambassadors put in is huge. Long drives, early mornings, back-to-back talks, endless energy — all because they care deeply about our young people and the environments they’re growing up in. None of this would be possible without the support of our Principal Partner, the Wright Family Foundation. π€
Gumboot Friday: April Keeping the Momentum Going
In April, Gumboot Friday continued supporting young people across Aotearoa with free, accessible counselling when they needed it.
Here’s the April breakdown:
506
young people
aged 5–11
(26%)
561
young people
aged 12–17
(29%)
854
young people
aged 18–25
(44%)
Every session is free, requires no referral, and is chosen by the young person from our network of registered counsellors.
While government funding helps cover the counselling sessions themselves, it’s your donations that keep the whole thing moving — the platform, the people behind it, the school visits, the resources, and the work happening before young people reach crisis point. ππ½
NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
We’re here to listen. Free counselling is available now for young people 25 and under.Choose a counsellor who feels right for you.
I watched the way people reacted to PMA backing Moana Pasifika and honestly, it made my stomach turn. The comments were anything but curious — they were accusatory. No one asked what the kaupapa was. They just assumed the worst.
But if we’re serious about improving Pasifika health outcomes, we can’t keep treating Pasifika-led initiatives like they’re dodgy by default. Better health starts with how people see themselves. This is part of that work.
If you’d like Ruby and the team to visit your Auckland school this term, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether it’s a big assembly or a small classroom kΕrero, these visits are all about helping young people feel more comfortable talking about emotions, mental health, and asking for help when they need it.
ποΈ Fitness, Wellbeing & Showing Up for Each Other
Huge thanks to Snap Fitness and Lift Brands for having Mike speak at the 2026 Snap Fitness APAC Summit. Over the three-day event, Mike spoke with delegates about youth mental health, connection, and the role fitness communities can play in supporting wellbeing beyond the gym floor.
The link between physical health and mental health is real. Gyms and fitness communities are often places where people find routine, belonging, confidence, and support — especially during tough times. We’re grateful to the Snap Fitness and Lift Brands teams for creating space for these conversations and for backing our young people in such a brilliant way. πͺπ½
Sparkling Minds Education
π§ β¨ Five Years of Sparkling Minds
Huge thanks to the team at Sparkling Minds Education, who recently celebrated their fifth anniversary with a special charity carnival bringing together families, community leaders, educators, and supporters from across Auckland.
We’re incredibly grateful that a portion of the proceeds was donated to I Am Hope, supporting youth mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Turn good intentions into something that helps, when someone you know is having a tough time.
Bike Giveaway
ποΈ Wind Therapy Is Back
We absolutely love seeing people come up with creative ways to support our kids — and this one is seriously cool.
The crew at Wind Therapy are back with another giveaway bike, raising funds for I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday after smashing over $20,000 raised last year.
Huge thanks to the Anglers Escape crew, who recently wrapped up their sixth annual event in the Far North — raising an incredible $29,840 for Gumboot Friday.
That brings their total fundraising effort to more than $111,000.
Great talk, children engaged, the presenters were really relatable to them. Thank you.
— Clare Fielding, Teacher at Nukumea Primary School
Saving Butts Sinking Putts
β³ One Course at a Time
Massive shoutout to Barrie Coleman and his incredible Saving Butts Sinking Putts journey. After experiencing personal tragedy, Barrie set himself the mission of travelling to golf courses right across New Zealand to raise awareness and funds for mental health. ππ½βοΈ
It’s a huge undertaking, but also a reminder of how many different ways people choose to honour loved ones, support others, and keep conversations going. We’re incredibly grateful to Barrie for carrying this kaupapa around the country.
