New Zealand Mental Health Foundation I Am Hope is entering a new chapter, beginning the search for a new Chief Executive to lead its next stage of growth.

Founder Mike King, who has served as Executive Director and Principal Ambassador - as well as fulfilling many of the Chief Executive duties - has announced he is stepping down from the leadership role, saying it’s time for “a new vision and a new voice to take us forward”. 

“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.”

“Building this organisation from scratch has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said King in a press release. 

King said he’s “loved every second” of the journey he’s been on so far, and is “incredibly proud” of what the charity has achieved through Gumboot Friday and its mission to provide free counseling sessions to young New Zealanders. 

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

Under King’s leadership, I Am Hope has transformed from a grassroots organisation to a nationwide mental health charity. Since 2019, Gumboot Friday has provided more than 137,000 free counselling sessions to young New Zealanders aged 5 to 25.

I Am Hope was also promised $24 million over four years from the Government, and Mike King thanked The Rock's Morning Rumble last year for being the ones who "pushed... and worked the hardest" to make this possible.

King will remain part of the organisation in a new capacity, to be announced once a new Chief Executive is appointed.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “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.”

The recruitment process for I Am Hope’s new Chief Executive is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Thanks for everything, Mike - your impact is undeniable.