Welcome to the June edition of the I Am Hope newsletter.
Thanks to your incredible support, 2,237 free counselling sessions were delivered to young Kiwis last month.
But your impact didn’t stop there. Over the past three months, our amazing youth ambassadors Noah and Ruby visited 11 schools across Auckland and Christchurch — sitting with hundreds of students, hearing their stories, and giving them the space to be seen, heard, and supported. These visits are some of the most powerful moments in our mahi. They remind us how much hope matters — and how urgently it’s needed.
We’ve also hosted 28 Community Kōrero with ambassadors listening, sharing, and supporting.
Mea Motu
Boxing champion, mum of five, I Am Hope ambassador and all-round powerhouse — Mea Motu has delivered more than 25 school talks over the past three months. Her story of struggle, survival, and massive achievement hits home with young people who see themselves in her. From trauma to triumph, Mea’s message is clear: “If I can do it, anyone can.” She’s living proof that hope isn’t just possible — it’s powerful.
Photo credit: Amy Ryan
Michaiah Simmons
Our events queen Michaiah was invited to speak at the Mila Mae and Co, PilatesFit and Pamu Pink Ribbon Event, where she shared her journey of navigating depression, losing a partner to suicide, and choosing to focus on joy. “I was honoured to speak at the PilatesFit Pink Ribbon event on my journey with mental health, living with depression, losing a partner to suicide and how I have chosen to focus on the good in life instead of the hard times.”
What Government Funding Really Means
Yep, we’ve had some government backing. But it’s not a big pile of cash sitting in the bank. We pay for the sessions first, then the government pays us back — up to $500K a month. It helps, but it doesn’t cover all the bits that make the magic happen. Your donations still power everything else:
•Our school programmes
•Our outreach
•Our team
•Our tech
Your support? Still the backbone of this whole thing.
Blake Schimanski, 23, ran the length of Aotearoa in just 27 days — that’s 2,088 kms, four toenails lost, countless swollen ankles, and over $45,000 raised for I Am Hope. He ran in memory of a mate lost to suicide, and for every young person who feels stuck in the dark. One hell of a reason to believe. Learn more.
Backing Hope, On and Off the Field
Top athlete Melie Kerr is also a mental health advocate and the force behind Treading Water, a video series helping others feel less alone. We’re lucky to have her in our corner.
“Working alongside I Am Hope and producing Treading Water is one of my greatest privileges and something I am extremely proud to be a part of. Working for an organisation that is selfless, hardworking, and always looking to help the greater good inspires me. I will always offer my hand in any small way to a charity that’s purpose is to help our mental health crisis in NZ and our kids. I’m grateful for the people at I Am Hope who have trusted me and who have let me be a part of their team.”
Check out more of Melie’s mahi at outoftherough.nz — where real stories and honest kōrero make a difference.
NV Motorcycles: A Huge Thank You
The team at NV Motorcycles went all in to organise their Dice Run fundraiser — and raised $3,000 for youth mental health in the process. Events like this aren’t easy to pull off, and we’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and effort to back the cause.
Our deepest thanks to Milliken for their ongoing support — and for building a wider network of generous businesses doing the same. “The real measure of a partner is what they do when no one's looking. Milliken's commitment goes far beyond the surface.” – Mike King
Some partners do more than donate. Bidfood shows up.
For us, for tamariki, and for Aotearoa. They’ve stood by us with heart and humility – and they keep showing up for others, too. Mike King says: “They rally their people, give their time, and make a genuine difference to the everyday lives of thousands. We’re proud to stand alongside them.”
8 November at Kohimarama Stadium, right on the heels of Gumboot Friday.
If you’ve been wondering how to get involved in Aotearoa’s biggest mental health movement — this is it.
We’re calling on tradies, site managers, and anyone keen from the crew — lads, ladies, and everyone on the tools— to step into the ring and raise awareness for mental health in your industry because your world is full of young people who need this kōrero. Word is... someone famous is lacing up the gloves. You’ll want ringside seats for this one.
Every dollar you give helps us reach a young person before they hit crisis. That’s what keeps us going — and what keeps them going, too. Donate now. Share the kōrero. Be the reason someone gets help.
