๐ง๐ผ๐๐คต๐ผThis year’s Gumboot Friday was nothing short of spectacular — a true display of compassion, community, and Kiwi spirit. From pre-schoolers in tiny boots to tradies, firefighters, teachers, gym bunnies and grandparents, people from every corner of Aotearoa stepped up, spoke out, and showed our rangatahi they are never alone. ๐ฎ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ผ๐พ
Thanks to your incredible support, more than 140,000 free counselling sessions have now been funded through Gumboot Friday since 2019 — each one a lifeline for a young person finding their way through tough times. That means over 45,000 rangatahi across Aotearoa have received free, timely help when they needed it most. We’re humbled and blown away by the generosity that poured in from schools, businesses, and communities up and down the country. Every shared post, muddy step, fundraiser, and conversation has helped remind our kids that hope is still alive and kicking — gumboots and all. ๐ฅพ๐ฌ
“Every year I think I’ve seen the best of Kiwis, and every year you prove me wrong. The way people showed up for our kids this Gumboot Friday — from tiny tamariki to tough-as-nails tradies — absolutely floored me. You’ve wrapped our rangatahi in love, hope, and courage, and all of us felt it. I can’t thank you enough.”
Mike King.
Gumboot Friday:
Those Who Walked With Us – At A Glance โจ
Burnsco – Simon’s 100km for Our Kids
Burnsco’s Northern Regional Manager, Simon Goodall, pulled off an absolutely incredible effort — completing a full 100km run across all seven Auckland Burnsco stores for Gumboot Friday. Starting in Manukau and ending in Gulf Harbour, he spent nearly 20 hours on his feet, pushing through pain, blisters, and exhaustion, all to remind our rangatahi that they’re never alone. ๐ฅพ๐โ๏ธ
“I want to acknowledge those who are having a hard time. Every step is for you. Even when it feels impossible, you can keep moving forward.”
Our ambassadors Ruby and Noah followed him throughout the day, checking in, cheering him on and offering support along the way. ๐ค
Liam Lawson’s customised Subaru Forester smashed expectations on TradeMe, selling for $35,300 and funding more than 230 free counselling sessions for young Kiwis. The winning bidder, Subaru fan Murray Wells, was thrilled — and so was Liam, who spent over a year building the car with friend Matt Stevens. ๐๐
“I’m very grateful to Murray and all the bidders who chose to push the final bid much higher than my expectation. Honestly, I loved building this car, and although I won’t get to drive it again, I know Murray will have a grin when he gets behind the wheel.”
Legendary!
Bounce Inc
Our friends at Bounce Inc have proudly supported Gumboot Friday every year, and we’re so grateful for their continued commitment. Their passion for helping young people stay active through trampolining and other movement-based activities fits perfectly with our values of connection, wellbeing, and fun. ๐คธโ๏ธ Special thanks to Owner Sandra Mu, Melody Saeve, and Tanika for their efforts in making it all happen.
A huge thank you to Kerrie and Calvin Twigg for hosting a quiz night to raise awareness and funds for Gumboot Friday, with organisational support from Mike and the TWG team. It was an awesome evening filled with laughs, generosity , and community spirit — and we were honoured to be a part of it.โ๐
We’re incredibly thankful to the team at Paradice Skating — including Marketing Manager Sarah Blong, Duty Manager George Robinson, and all their staff — for donating a portion of entry fees across their Botany and Avondale rinks. From gumboot throwing on ice and a lively photo booth to a growing Wall of Hope filled with messages for our kids, families and friends came together to skate, connect, and support mental wellbeing — one glide at a time. โธ๏ธ๐ธ
Go on, have a look and maybe even go for a joy glide:
Our friends at Cloud Nine Rings supported Gumboot Friday through a beautiful jewellery initiative, offering a collection of mood rings to help raise awareness for youth mental health. Their mood-ring collection was a thoughtful, heartfelt way to support our young people, and we’re so thankful. ๐๐
Explore the range and get it for yourself or as a gift here:
โณ The Higgins team once again rallied their community to support Gumboot Friday with a charity golf day. A standout feature this year: a fully branded concrete truck in Gumboot Friday colours that will remain in the Manawatลซ region — carrying the message of hope wherever it goes. We love it! ๐
Tauranga CBD Annual Hฤซkoi
๐ถโ๏ธ๐ถ For the third year running, Hayley Nelson and Anna Veale co-ordinated a Gumboot Friday hฤซkoi in the Tauranga CBD. It was a powerful event of reflection, connection, and community — raising awareness and funds for rangatahi and mental health while taking in the beauty of Tauranga Moana. We are so proud of their mahi.
Moko Pounamu – A Little Koru With Big Meaning โจ
Moko Pounamu have created a special limited-edition Koru Porohita with us, hand-picked and crafted by their Moko artists.
The design carries beautiful symbolism: the Porohita as the circle of life, and four koru representing your journey, whฤnau, support, and new beginnings. ๐ฟ The silver cord reflects light in darkness and the brown half hitch represents grounding and connection to the whenua.
These make fantastic gifts or a meaningful way to thank someone. Each piece comes boxed in handcrafted birch, numbered and signed by Mike King and Richie Barnett.
If you’d like one framed for your office or workspace, contact Louise at Moko Pounamu on 03-421-6495 — she can even arrange a plaque.
