Source: AuthorityPR
Mike King, founder of I Am Hope, says community is the backbone of the work.
“From kindergartens and kura doing mufti days, to sports clubs and marae, to small businesses, tradies and big corporate partners — the support is unwavering, and it floors us again this year. We don’t take a dollar of that trust for granted. There’s plenty of noise, but our job stays simple: when a young person puts up a hand, we get them in the room with a counsellor, fast. This really is the village at work. Thank you, Aotearoa.”
Alongside counselling, Little People, Big Feelings continues to reach Kiwi kids. Ambassadors Ruby and Noah have travelled the country reminding tamariki that their feelings matter; more than 9,000 children took part this year, with big smiles, brave conversations, and simple tools that help kids name emotions and ask for help sooner. It’s been a year of growth, kindness, and courage — and they’re excited to meet even more little people with big feelings next year.
Since 2019, New Zealanders have helped deliver over 144,164 free sessions — proof that practical, community-backed support reaches kids when it counts.
AT A GLANCE
• 32,124 free counselling sessions delivered via Gumboot Friday to November 2025
• 800+ registered counsellors nationwide
• Over 144,00 rangatahi and tamariki have accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday since 2019
• More than 9,000 tamariki reached via Little People Big Feelings programme
If you’re under 25 or know someone who needs to talk, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz
