World's biggest waterslide being built in NZ

Jimi Hunt (l, Scooby Doo) and Dan Drupsteen (Where the Wild Things Are) preparing to build the world's biggest waterslide near Helensville, west of Auckland. Photo / Sam Stratton

Construction has begun on the world's biggest waterslide on a hillside west of Auckland, as part of a festival to help combat depression.

The 650 metre long waterslide, the brainchild of Auckland men Jimi Hunt and Dan Drupsteen, will be open for public to use during a two-day festival on February 23 and 24.

Funds raised will be used by the charity Live More Awesome.

"We're a couple of Kiwi guys who like so many others have really suffered at hands of depression, said co-founder Dan Drupsteen. " It was really tough, but having come out the other side we decided the best way for us to keep depression at bay was to 'Live More Awesome'. We hope this amazing project will encourage others to do the same and we want people to know it's ok to ask for help," he said.

Three slides are being built down the hillside near Helensville - the 650 metre long monster, along with two smaller ones - one 80 metres and another 60-metre "grandma slip'n'slide" for the more timid.

Hunt's previous adventures include riding a lilo down the Waikato River.

The men say Live More Awesome was based around the idea that if they continued to strive for better things and "live more awesome" then there was no way that depression would ever get them again. "So far it's working."

Through their online and social media presence, then men hope to connect those people to others with like minds and encourage people to have hobbies, do things rather than buying things and have fun.

"It's much easier to make a difference or be awesome when you have friends by your side".

People wanting to go to the slide, donate or help out can go here for tickets.

- nzherald online