In Aotearoa, mental health issues, particularly among young people, continue to challenge communities, both urban and rural. At the heart of one of the country’s most recognisable mental health initiatives is Mike King, founder of the I Am Hope charity and the man behind Gumboot Friday. In a recent conversation with us, Mike shared insights into the growth of the initiative, its importance to rural communities, and the power of walking through the mud together - both figuratively and literally.

“Gumboot Friday isn’t a single event,” Mike explained. “It’s a series of unique initiatives organised by schools, businesses, and community groups across New Zealand, raising awareness about mental wellbeing challenges faced by children and young people. It also raises money for free counselling services for those aged 5 to 25.”

The gumboot has become a symbol for the struggles many young people face. “Depression is often described by our rangatahi as being like walking through mud,” he shared. “So, on the first Friday of every November, we encourage the whole country to wear gumboots, symbolically walking through the mud with them. It’s a way of saying, ‘I see you, I recognise your struggle, and I’m here for you.’”

This simple act of wearing gumboots has transformed into a national statement of solidarity. Across cities, schools, and rural paddocks, people slip on their gumboots to support our young New Zealanders, showing that their struggles are both seen and acknowledged.

The impact of Gumboot Friday has grown steadily since its inception, and 2023 marked a significant milestone for the organisation. “The key difference last year was the government signalling its intention to fund us in 2024,” Mike explained. “This shifted our focus from solely raising money to raising awareness about the availability of free counselling for children and young people.”

The funding has allowed the organisation to expand its reach, ensuring that more young people have access to the mental health services they need. “Last year, we reached more people than ever before,” said Mike. “The engagement across communities was unprecedented, ensuring that more young people and their families were aware of the support available to them.”

This year, with funding in place, the focus returns to creating a fun and inclusive event. “We’re going back to what Gumboot Friday was originally meant to be - a fun day where people wear their gumboots to work, symbolising solidarity. It’s about showing those who may be struggling that we care. Our focus is on creating a positive atmosphere that encourages everyone to recognise the importance of mental well-being.”

Mike is particularly passionate about the role that rural communities play in supporting Gumboot Friday. “Our farmers are some of the staunchest, most resilient people in New Zealand, but they often find it hard to open up about their struggles because they’ve long been seen as pillars of strength. I’d love for the rural community to understand that talking about mental health isn’t about losing strength—it’s about showing young people that it’s okay to talk about their struggles.”

In a world where farmers face unique challenges, from isolation to the stress of running a farm, normalising mental health conversations is more important than ever. “Too often, we tell kids what to do rather than show them,” Mike highlighted. “By participating in Gumboot Friday, rural communities can help normalise these conversations and set an example for the next generation.”

With the recent government funding, I Am Hope has been able to focus its resources directly where they’re needed most. “Every cent of the government funding is being directed to counsellors, ensuring that as many young people as possible can access free mental health support,” Mike shared.

“We’re not using any of the funds for administrative costs, which means we must work harder to cover those ourselves. However, that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make to ensure that every child can get the help they need as quickly as possible.”

For rural youth, this has meant greater access to mental health professionals through innovative platforms. “One of the key things we’ve done is make sure that young people in rural areas can connect with mental health professionals via Zoom and FaceTime. This has helped bridge the gap created by physical distance, allowing young people to access support from the comfort of their own homes.”

Despite the positive steps made, Mike acknowledged that rural communities still face distinct mental health challenges compared to their urban counterparts. “Isolation remains one of the biggest challenges,” he noted. “There’s also a long-standing belief that adults shouldn’t discuss their problems with young people, fearing they’ll cause them worry.”

However, Mike believes this approach can actually create more harm than good. “Kids are incredibly perceptive. They can tell when an adult is struggling. If we don’t talk to them about what we’re going through, they’ll often assume the problem is their fault.”

In tight-knit rural communities where privacy is highly valued, Mike encourages open communication to alleviate this hidden burden. “By addressing these issues directly, we can help rural families foster healthier communication. Young people need to feel seen and supported, and that starts with honest conversations at home.”

In addition to traditional mental health concerns, Mike identified another growing issue having a profound effect on the mental health of young Kiwis: climate anxiety. A New Zealand-first study commissioned by I Am Hope revealed that climate anxiety is severely affecting young New Zealanders. Conducted by truwind-Research First and Dynata, the online survey of 600 people aged 18 – 25 years old, found nearly 60% of respondents consider climate change the most important issue facing the world and 42% see it as the major problem facing Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The research paints a disturbing picture of the mental health crisis brewing among our rangatahi, driven by climate anxiety. Their well-being is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet.”

In response, I Am Hope launched the ‘I Am Climate Hope Tour,’ a 5,000-kilometre journey across New Zealand led by Mike on an electric UBCO motorbike. “We wanted to meet people from all walks of life, listen to their concerns, and show them that together, we can face these challenges. It’s about acknowledging their fears and offering hope for a sustainable future.”

Supported by companies like Genesis, UBCO, and Ara Ake, the tour aimed to provide tools for young people to manage their climate-related anxiety while also highlighting the importance of taking action for the environment. Genesis, the key partner in the initiative, emphasised the importance of addressing both climate change and mental health. “The company is on a pathway to decarbonising itself and helping its customers reduce emissions. Genesis has a goal of having 95% of its generation being renewable by 2035,” shared Chief Executive, Malcolm Johns. “Addressing climate change is crucial for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand and the company’s strategy is directly linked to supporting the country’s net-zero 2050 goal that is legislated under the Zero Carbon Act.”

Grant Payton, General Manager of Global Fleet and Business Development at UBCO further shared how the I Am Climate Hope Tour aligned perfectly with their mission to make a positive impact on the environment. “We’re proud to support an initiative that addresses both climate action and mental health in New Zealand’s youth.”

This November, Mike King’s message is clear: “Mental health is something we all need to talk about, no matter where we live. Whether you’re in a rural paddock or a city office, putting your gumboots on is a way of saying, ‘I see you, and I’m here for you.’”

For rural New Zealand, the simple act of donning a pair of gumboots this November could mean the world to a young person struggling in silence. And thanks to I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, that support is more visible - and more crucial - than ever.

For more information on Gumboot Friday and how to get involved, visit gumbootfriday.org.nz.

You can also check out Mike King’s I Am Climate Hope Tour at iamhope.org.nz/ride.

As a rural community, It’s important to stay connected and find someone to talk to. If you or anyone you know is struggling, feel free to call or text 1737 at any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Here are some other national helplines provided by Mental Health Foundation New Zealand:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP), Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO), Healthline – 0800 611 116, Samaritans – 0800 726 666