Important Facts of the News
- More than 40,700 free counselling sessions delivered since Government funding began.
- Over 14,350 young New Zealanders have received mental health support through the programme.
- In the latest period, 10,700 additional sessions supported 4,350 more young people.
- Number of registered counsellors increased from 700 to 810 nationwide.
- Government allocated NZ$24 million over four years to expand the initiative.
- The programme operates under the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement.
- Gumboot Friday is run by the organisation I Am Hope.
Nationwide initiative continues to deliver results
New Zealand’s Mental Health Minister, Hon Matt Doocey, marked this year’s Gumboot Friday by celebrating the continued success of the youth mental health initiative. The programme has rapidly expanded its reach, ensuring that thousands of young people across the country can access professional counselling when they need it most.
Strong results through Government partnership
Since the start of Government support, Gumboot Friday has provided more than 40,700 free counselling sessions, helping over 14,350 young New Zealanders. The latest update shows an additional 10,700 sessions have been delivered, benefiting another 4,350 young people.
Minister Doocey highlighted that the initiative’s network of counsellors continues to grow. In July, there were 700 registered counsellors on the platform — that number has now risen to 810 qualified professionals, offering young people more choice and faster access to mental health care.
Scaling up to reach more young people
Gumboot Friday has demonstrated its capacity to scale nationwide, enabling young people to move off long waiting lists and into counselling often within just a few days. The Minister noted that few organisations can deliver this level of responsiveness for youth mental health.
“I Am Hope and the Gumboot Friday team have shown real dedication in expanding access to care,” Mr Doocey said. “Their work complements the Government’s broader plan to improve mental health services with faster access, more frontline professionals, and better crisis response.”
Government commitment to long-term support
Under the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement, the Government has committed NZ$24 million over four years to Gumboot Friday. The funding aims to strengthen and expand the initiative, ensuring that young New Zealanders everywhere can find the support they need during difficult times.
The partnership between the Government and the grassroots organisation I Am Hope continues to demonstrate how community-driven solutions can play a key role in addressing New Zealand’s mental health challenges.