New Zealand’s sporting stars and entertainers are preparing to send gumboots flying across Tāmaki Makaurau in an ambitious attempt to break two world records held by Finland for three decades — all in support of young people struggling with their mental health.
Olympians, Commonwealth Games athletes, musicians and familiar Kiwi faces will gather at The Trusts Arena in Auckland on Friday, November 6, for a special Gumboot Friday world record challenge organised by I Am Hope.
The event will see some of Aotearoa’s top throwing athletes attempt to break the men’s and women’s gumboot throwing world records, while raising funds and awareness for free youth counselling services.
Finland’s 30-Year Grip on the Records
The challenge is no small feat.
The men’s world record stands at 63.98 metres, held by Finland’s Teppo Luoma, while the women’s record of 40.87 metres was set by Finland’s Sari Tirkkonen in 1996.
Both records have remained in Finnish hands for approximately 30 years.
Now New Zealand’s elite athletes are preparing to see whether their skills in throwing hammers, javelins and other sporting equipment can translate into launching a gumboot across an arena.
Leading the challenge is Olympic hammer thrower Lauren Bruce, alongside two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games decathlon silver medallist Brent Newdick, who is coming out of retirement for the occasion.
They will be joined by Commonwealth Games hammer thrower Anthony Barmes, whose personal best with a hammer exceeds 70 metres, New Zealand javelin champion Alex Wood and Olympic kayaker Hamish Legarth.
The athletes acknowledge that throwing a gumboot presents a very different technical challenge, but say the opportunity to support young people’s mental health makes the event worthwhile.
Mike King and Kiwi Celebrities Join the Action
The event will also feature familiar faces from entertainment, music and television.
I Am Hope founder Mike King will take part alongside Shortland Street actor Fleur Saville, actor Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, known for Predator: Badlands and The Panthers, and award-winning rapper and songwriter KINGS.
More athletes and entertainers are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Supporters will also have the opportunity to bid for their favourite thrower through a Trade Me auction.
Winning bidders will receive VIP seating alongside their chosen athlete and photo opportunities, with some opportunities to dress their thrower in preferred clothing or branding, subject to sponsorship arrangements.
More Than a World Record Attempt
While the prospect of breaking two long-standing world records will attract attention, the purpose of the event is to support Gumboot Friday and the work of I Am Hope.
The annual fundraising campaign helps support access to free counselling for young New Zealanders aged five to 25.
Young people can choose a registered counsellor through the Gumboot Friday platform without needing a referral from their GP.
Government funding covers counselling sessions, while donations and community fundraising help support the platform, practitioners and I Am Hope’s wider activities, including school programmes and community outreach.
Mike King says community support plays an important role in maintaining access to the service and helping young people receive assistance when they need it.
The event aims to turn a light-hearted sporting challenge into a wider conversation about mental health and the importance of seeking help.
A Challenge for Schools, Workplaces and Whānau
The world record attempt is not limited to professional athletes and celebrities.
I Am Hope is encouraging schools, workplaces, sports clubs and communities across Aotearoa to organise their own gumboot throwing competitions in the lead-up to November 6.
Participants can test their throwing abilities, raise funds and help build momentum for Gumboot Friday.
Outstanding throwers and fundraisers may even earn an opportunity to join the official event at The Trusts Arena.
For tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, the campaign offers an opportunity to combine physical activity, community participation and fundraising with conversations about mental wellbeing.
Putting Rangatahi Mental Health First
Youth mental health remains an important issue for communities across Aotearoa, including Māori whānau seeking accessible and culturally appropriate support.
Initiatives such as Gumboot Friday aim to reduce barriers to counselling while encouraging communities to take an active role in supporting young people.
The involvement of prominent athletes, entertainers and community organisations also helps bring attention to the importance of early intervention and ensuring young people know where they can turn for assistance.
The challenge demonstrates how sport, entertainment and community fundraising can work together to support a serious kaupapa.
Can New Zealand Bring the Records Home?
On Friday, November 6, the attention will turn to The Trusts Arena as New Zealand’s best throwers attempt to end Finland’s three-decade dominance of gumboot throwing.
But regardless of whether the records fall, organisers hope the event will inspire communities to get involved and support young people experiencing mental health challenges.
The challenge is simple: throw a gumboot, have some fun and help make a difference for rangatahi who need support.
Gumboot Friday takes place on Friday, November 6, 2026.
For information about participating, fundraising or accessing counselling, visit www.gumbootfriday.com.
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