Welcome to the latest I Am Hope newsletter — where your support turns into real impact.
Thanks to you, 2,003 free counselling sessions were delivered to young Kiwis in June.
But the momentum didn’t stop there. Our youth ambassadors, Ruby and Noah, hit the road to kōrero with students in Dunedin (Milton and Kaikorai Schools), Auckland (St Francis School), and Nelson (Auckland Point, Hira, and Clifton Terrace Schools) — creating safe spaces for tamariki to talk, be heard, and feel supported.
Gumboot Friday Data Report:
What We’re Seeing — and Why It Matters
A new Gumboot Friday report confirms what our frontline therapists already know: our kids are hurting — and they’re asking for help.
Anxiety and depression top the charts, especially for girls aged 14–16. Māori and Pacific youth are still underrepresented in service access, and young boys show distress differently — reporting more anger and aggression, but far fewer sessions overall.
The numbers are tough, but they also tell us something vital: when help is fast, free, and stigma-free, young people take it. Now we need the systems to meet that demand.
Mike King: “The Data Is Clear — Our Teens Are in Trouble”
“These aren’t moody teenagers. These are kids teetering on the edge. The data shows that ages 14 to 16 are emotional ground zero. Anxiety. Depression. Identity. Stress. Fear of the future.
We need to stop talking and start showing up.”
Fieldays: Cold, Wet, and Full of Aroha
The team braved the chill at Mystery Creek Fieldays (June 11–14) to connect with thousands of Kiwis. We handed out over 1,000 TR & Mack books, and were joined by the legends at Number One Shoes, who sold our signature Gumboot Friday gumboots on-site.
Barrie lost his wife Megan to suicide — now he’s golfing every course in NZ to raise funds and awareness. Join him at his special charity day on 21 August, or follow his journey:
Huge aroha to Kurt Laurie and the team, who’ve been backing Gumboot Friday for two years, helping us keep counselling free and accessible.
Scott Casey-Wooldridge – Dunedin
On Matariki, Scott completed a solo “Misogi” fundraiser: •42.1km ski •42.1km row •42.1km bike •42.1km run
All in one day — and raised over $7,300 so far. Support Scott here
This September, Bloom and Seventh Wonder are partnering with I Am Hope on their NZ tour — raising funds at every stop.
“As an artist, I’ve seen how music can heal. Teaming up with Gumboot Friday lets us turn that connection into real support.” – Bloom
Don’t forget to drop your donations in the gumboots at each show.
Backing Hope: Thanks to Our Supporters
The Elite Network Group
This powerful community of business leaders backs I Am Hope across 5 Auckland chapters — hosting events at Pakuranga, Ponsonby, and Grammar Tech rugby clubs.
CS Roofing Canterbury
Shout out to Nathan and Jenny Maxwell, whose ongoing monthly support makes our charity more stable and future-proof. Jenny also represents us in the Roofing Association of NZ — with their network hosting golf days to support mental health.
I Am Hope on Rails!
We’re now rolling through NZ — literally. One of our amazing supporters has decked out a full-size rail wagon with I Am Hope branding.
TR Trucks Deliver — Literally
A massive thanks to our long-time partners at TR Group, who’ve donated two vehicles to support our mahi on the ground. One’s now helping Mike get from A to B (and everywhere in between), and the other’s headed straight into service for our team. It’s not just about wheels — it’s about keeping hope moving. Thank you, TR Trucks.
I Am Hope Foundation, PO BOX 10271, Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1446, New Zealand
