As we wrap up 2025, we’re looking back on a year filled with so much compassion, community, and countless moments where Kiwis showed up for our kids.
In November alone, 3,326 free counselling sessions were delivered through Gumboot Friday — each one a young person being heard, supported, and met with care when they needed it most. π
That brings our total for 2025 (up to November) to 32,124 sessions, and since 2019, more than 144,164 free counselling sessions have been funded for rangatahi across Aotearoa, all because of you.
Our Little People, Big Feelings programme has also had an incredible year. Our Ambassadors, Ruby and Noah, travelled the country reminding tamariki that their feelings matter, reaching more than 9,000 children as a result.
From big smiles to brave conversations, they’ve seen young people open up, connect, and learn that it’s okay to feel whatever they feel. A year of growth, kindness, and courage — and they can’t wait to meet even more little people with big feelings next year with the support of our Principal Partner, the Wright Family Foundation.
Government funding continues to cover the cost of counselling sessions — an essential support that ensures no young person is turned away. But everything else that keeps I Am Hope going — our school programmes, behind-the-scenes mahi, IT and platform improvements, community events, and education resources — all of it exists because of your donations, and your belief in this kaupapa.
A Moment of Clarity – Auditor General Confirms Good Practice πβ¨
Many of you will have seen Mike’s recent post addressing the public debate around our work. After two years of questions and commentary, the Auditor General has now confirmed what we’ve been saying all along:
I Am Hope and the Gumboot Friday contract are being managed properly and in line with good practice. Here are the facts:
I Am Hope does not receive government funding.
Mike King does not receive government funding.
Every single dollar goes directly to counselling sessions for young people.
I Am Hope covers all operational costs ourselves so the kids don’t carry that burden.
When critics call for funding to be withdrawn, they are not hurting us — they are hurting the 5–25-year-olds who rely on timely, free support. With this report, the record is clear. And we get to move forward with confidence, transparency, and gratitude for everyone who has stood with us.
Some of you may have seen recent headlines and started planning my retirement party. Settle down. I’m only stepping out of the CEO seat, not riding off into the sunset.
After years of steering the I Am Hope waka, it’s time for someone with fresh legs and fewer grey hairs to take the helm.
As for me, I’m not going anywhere.
I’ll still be here doing what I love most — stirring the pot, championing hope, and annoying the people who need annoying.
So no farewell cards, no gold watch, and definitely no speeches. I’m just changing roles, not disappearing.
Onwards. Always.
— Mike
Those Who Walked With Us – December Highlights β¨
Melissa Lee MP – A Positive Conversation π€
We were pleased to welcome Melissa Lee MP for a catch-up with our team. She was genuinely interested in how our services are expanding and how more young people are accessing counselling quickly and locally.
It was encouraging to have a conversation focused on solutions, support, and the wellbeing of our rangatahi — exactly where the attention should be.
Pakuranga Rotary – A Beautiful Night of Giving π
A huge thank you to Pakuranga Rotary, who raised funds at their Diwali & Multi-Cultural Evening Celebration.
We’re so grateful for the heart, colour, and generosity poured into the night.
Röhlig Logistics – A Gift of Support π
A massive thank you to Röhlig Logistics for their contribution.
Their support helps us continue meeting young people where they’re at.
Stewart Construction – An Incredible Golf Day β³
An epic day out and an even more epic result at the annual Stewart Construction Golf Day.
To the sponsors, players, and organisers: thank you for backing our kids in such a huge way. We are so grateful, we couldn’t do this without you.
Lift Brands & Snap Fitness NZ – Extraordinary Support πͺπ₯
We’re absolutely blown away by the incredible generosity of Snap Fitness NZ and Lift Brands. Their nationwide fundraising push where every dollar going directly toward supporting our kids.
From gym-floor challenges to member donations and club events, the effort across their network was huge. Because of their mahi, more rangatahi will be heard, supported, and connected with hope. π§‘
Hope Home 2.0 – The Build Continues π‘β€οΈ
We’re so grateful to Fowler Homes, Jason and Jen McGirr, and more than 50 suppliers and partners working together to build our second Hope Home in Queenstown.
Our first home showed what’s possible when a community comes together — and Hope Home 2.0 is carrying that same spirit forward, powered by generosity, teamwork, and a shared belief in our kids.
At the Steadfast Group Conference, every dollar raised for I Am Hope was matched by DUAL NZ.
So grateful to have such major support from people like DUAL NZ. Huge thanks to you all. π
Lake TaupΕ Cycle Challenge – A Day Full of Heart π΄βοΈπ₯
TaupΕ was buzzing as more than 3,000 riders took part in the iconic Cycle Challenge. From elite racers to everyday riders, it was a celebration of hard work, joy, and community. Thank you to everyone who carried our message around the lake — your support helps keep our kids moving forward.
Summer Sip of Hope – Gumbootcha Returns π«π₯€
A bold, fruity blackcurrant kombucha brewed by our friends at Good Buzz, Gumbootcha is the perfect summer drink — sweet (but not too sweet), smooth, refreshing, and doing good with every sip.
Every bottle donates 50 cents to I Am Hope, helping fund free counselling for young Kiwis. You can find Gumbootcha at select New World, PAK’nSAVE, and Four Square stores nationwide.
A small action, a big difference. β¨
I Am Hope Foundation, PO BOX 10271, Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1446, New Zealand
