Holes in one all round at gumboot golf day for mental health

Tommy Wilson, with Goodbuzz director Richard Gatward, Adam (Mani) Sharplin, councillor Bill Grainger and Joe Johnson. Photo / Andrew Warner

Hundreds of people are teeing off into gumboots at Tauranga's Masonic Park to raise funds for mental health.

More than 500 tickets have been sold for Te Tuinga Whānau's Gumboot Golf event in Masonic Park, as part of Gumboot Friday today.

New Zealanders are encouraged to wear their wellies today and donate a gold coin to Mike King's I AM HOPE mental health charity campaign, which is raising funds to provide free and timely counselling for school-aged Kiwis.

Te Tuinga Whānau's Gumboot Golf organiser Tommy Wilson said "a constant stream" of people were dropping in to have a go.

"It is going off," he said. "We have sold way more than 500 tickets."

One woman, who had never played golf before, had shot a hole in one - twice.

"She was doing it for her son," he said.

Mayor Greg Brownless also attended and got a hole in one, Wilson said.

Wilson echoed Mike King's words saying children needed to see that "we are not perfect".

"When they see that they realise it is okay themselves not to be perfect," he said. "Wearing gumboots shows our vulnerable side. It makes our kids see that it is okay to be vulnerable."

Two gumboot-ringed hole-in-one tees will be set up in the park from midday to 9pm - one for adults and another for children.

Each ball costs $5 and anyone who makes the shot in one will go in the draw for a $500 prize.

Bay of Plenty rugby player Joe Johnson was also giving golf a go to help raise awareness.

"It is all just a bit of fun," he said. "There is a few laughs with the shots that go off course."

Despite the fun, Johnson said he was there to help raise awareness of mental health.

"Depression is a big deal in New Zealand," he said. "It needs to be recognised more."

Year 13 students at Tauranga Boys' College wore their gumboots to help raise funds for mental health. Photo / Supplied

Meanwhile, Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan said the Year 13 students and staff were encouraged to wear their gumboots today and donate a gold coin to the cause.

At a school assembly, staff and students spoke about the importance of seeking help.

"Depression is a significant issue," he said. "our youth suicide rate is atrocious. We are in a crisis really."

Mangan said men stereotypically did not open up about their feelings and it was important to do so.

"It [depression and mental health] should be considered in the same context as physical illness," he said. "it is so important that we support each other."

Earlier today, Tauranga friends Hazel Howie and Alisha Matthews invited dog-lovers - with or without pooches - to take a walk in Yatton Park and visit their stall to make a donation.

In Te Puke, staff at Carter House Lifecare rest home decorated gumboots and invited residents and other staff to vote for their favourite and donate.

Gumboot Friday events

• 9am to noon: Gumboot Friday Dog Walk, Yatton Park, Merivale
• Noon to 9pm: Gumboot Golf, Masonic Park, The Strand
• Anytime: Donate via the I AM HOPE Givealittle page, in Kiwibank or PostShop branches, at participating stores or direct to account 38 9020 0336055 01.

IF YOU NEED HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:
• 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 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666