Shearers raise funds for cause close to their hearts - Made with funding from NZ On Air
Michael Herlihy - the youngest of eight children - grew up on the the hills surrounding Whangamomona.
The Herlihys are a prominent shearing family in the region - and Michael was a chip off the old block.
In January last year - he committed suicide.
"He was always a cheekylittle fella, he was always keen to help, loved shearing. You know he really loved shearing and he really loved duck shooting and he's not here anymore, so you know , um it's quite hard really," says his father John Herlihy.
Fourteen months on the family is still trying to come to terms with it.
"You know before Michael died, we had sorta never thought about anything kinda like this, but when you start talking there are a lot of people that take their own lives and it's just really sad really. Some of them are getting down to 11 years of age or 100 it doesn't really matter how old you are, it should never have to be that bad," John says.
Determined to make a difference - over the weekend the Herlihys staged a 'shear-a-thon.'
Funds went to Lifeline - and to an Auckland family impacted by suicide
They say their community has been really supportive.
"There is one lady up the road who still brings in shortbread and lemon honey for me 12 months later."
Over the weekend, 3500 sheep were shorn and more than $10,000 was raised.
And, the Herlihys say, donations are still pouring in.
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) • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 • Samaritans: 0800 726 666 • If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
