I Am Hope looks for new leader

The I Am Hope charity has begun its search for a new chief executive as founder Mike King prepares for the next chapter with the organisation.

The I Am Hope Foundation, organisers of the Gumboot Friday initiative that supports improving mental health for youth across the country, is now looking for a new leader as it prepares for the “next phase of growth and innovation”, it says.

“While serving as executive director and principal ambassador, founder Mike King has carried a share of the organisation’s chief executive duties.”

He says it’s the right time for fresh leadership.

“When we started, I Am Hope, it was nothing more than a dream, a small group of people trying to make sure every young person could access free mental health support without barriers,” says King.

“Building this organisation from scratch has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

“But we’ve reached a point where it’s time for a new vision and a new voice to take us forward.

“I’ve loved every second of this journey, the wins, the challenges, the people,” King says.

“I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made through Gumboot Friday, funding thousands of counselling sessions for young Kiwis.

“Now it’s time for someone else to build on that legacy.”

Under King’s leadership, the foundation says I Am Hope has grown from a grassroots movement into a nationally recognised mental health charity.

Since launching Gumboot Friday in 2019, it has provided more than 137,000 free counselling sessions to young New Zealanders aged five to 25.

Howick’s Richie Barnett, the former Kiwis captain and rugby league star, is the foundation’s partnership manager.

“The new chief executive will lead the foundation through its next evolution, expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability of free mental health support for generations to come,” says the foundation.

It adds King will continue to be involved with the organisation in a new capacity, which will be announced alongside the new chief executive’s appointment.

“I’m not going anywhere,” King says. “My passion for helping young people hasn’t changed.

“I’ll be taking on a new role that lets me get back to what I love most, connecting with people, challenging the system, and championing hope.”