Gumboot Friday a success in Rotorua

Rotokawa School looking for a gumboot throw champion on Gumboot Friday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Whether the gumboots were on little feet or in the air, Rotorua school kids of all ages were getting into a day to build up the mental health of young Kiwis.

Gumboot Friday, held today, is a national event set up by New Zealander of the Year Mike King and the I AM HOPE foundation with a goal to offer free mental health support to children.

The idea behind gumboots was that having depression was like walking through the mud every day, and people were asked to today put on a pair to show their support.

Rotokawa School pupils, dressed in mufti, waddled around the playground today to support the cause.

"Gumboots are like four-wheel drives for your feet," Tuari Yates, 10, from Rotokawa School, said.

While many of the young pupils did not have a deep understanding of the event, Yates was not far off in the day being about building up resilient youth.

Principal Regan Williams said parents had asked him to do something for the day as many whānau and relations in the school community had been affected by mental health.

For Mokoia Intermediate, joining the movement was a last-minute decision driven by the pupils.

Deputy principal Annemarie Hyde said staff had thought the discussion of depression and suicide may not be best as pupils were at an impressionable age.

But the student council pushed for the event, telling staff they knew what it was about and wanted to help.

High schools also got behind the cause and "some flash and some old" gumboots walked through the gates at John Paul College today.

Principal Patrick Walsh said students were spoken to about the importance of free counselling as students either suffered or knew someone who suffered mental health issues.

King aimed to raise $2 million and was confident the target would be met with all the support.

King said Gumboot Friday was set to become an annual event, with planning already under way for 2020.

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.