Mike King

2024 - 10 - 31

Mike King: The Gumboot Crusader Under Fire for His 'Alcoholic' Advice!

Gumboot Friday alcohol use - Gumboot Friday - I Am Hope - Labour Party - mental health - Mike King - New Zealand politics - public advocacy - suicide awareness - youth mental health

Mike King dives deep into the controversial waters of mental health and alcohol while fundraising for Gumboot Friday!

Mike King, the vibrant founder of I Am Hope and the creative mind behind Gumboot Friday, finds himself in the spotlight yet again. Recently, King’s candid comments regarding alcohol and mental health have sent ripples across the mental health community in New Zealand. Notably, during an appearance on Newstalk ZB, he suggested that alcohol could be a viable solution to manage negative thoughts. While his intention seems to stem from a place of wanting to spark dialogue about depression's touchy subjects, the backlash has been swift. The Labour Party is now calling for a pause on the coalition government's $24 million funding for Gumboot Friday, questioning the ramifications of such statements on public perception and mental health advocacy.

Despite the swirling controversy, Mike King stands unapologetically by his remarks. He has undoubtedly made significant strides in mental health awareness through his efforts with I Am Hope, which aims to tackle the crisis of youth suicide in New Zealand head-on. However, as Labour Party members express concern about King’s approach to discussions around alcohol and mental health, it raises an important question: Can one person's beliefs overshadow the essential work being done for mental health support? The political tones intertwine with the narrative, prompting both advocates and critics to weigh in on the potential impacts of cancelling funding that could help thousands of Kiwis.

In the midst of this chaotic back-and-forth, one cannot ignore that King’s journey has always been about tough topics and controversial opinions. He is known to be a polarizing figure, stirring strong emotions across the political spectrum. The debate around his comments on alcohol further complicates his mission, but perhaps it also provides opportunities to shine a light on the complexities surrounding mental health. As people grapple with issues like addiction and mental illness, it's vital to approach discussions with respect and understanding, making room for multiple perspectives.

As discussions continue, it’s essential to consider the wider context of mental health in New Zealand. The country has alarmingly high rates of youth suicide, which emphasizes the necessity of campaigns like Gumboot Friday, aimed at bringing critical support and services to those in distress. Moreover, it is interesting to note that an estimated one in six people in New Zealand experience mental health issues each year. With the dialogue around alcohol and mental health still developing, it begs the question: Can we find a balance between honesty and responsibility? Only time will tell as we navigate this unpredictable landscape together and hopefully draw out some much-needed healing for New Zealand’s future.

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Why fundraising for Gumboot Friday is more vital than ever - Mike King (New Zealand Herald)

THREE KEY FACTS Mike King is the founder of I Am Hope. OPINION I know I'm a polarising figure. I'm aware of the strong opinions out there – people who don't ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Labour Party calls for coalition Government to pull funding for Mike ... (New Zealand Herald)

The Labour Party is calling on the coalition Government to review its $24 million worth of support for Mike King's Gumboot Friday after the mental health...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Labour wants Gumboot Friday funding paused following Mike King's ... (RNZ)

Labour is calling on the government to pause its funding of I Am Hope/Gumboot Friday, after campaigner Mike King said alcohol was not a problem for people ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Mike King stands by statement that 'alcohol is a solution' (Stuff.co.nz)

Mental health campaigner in spotlight after on air comments, but Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the Government “respects the work”.

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Image courtesy of "Newstalk ZB"

John MacDonald: Mike King was right. But he was wrong too (Newstalk ZB)

John MacDonald is torn when it comes to Mike King's comments surrounding alcohol use and mental illness.

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Image courtesy of "Business"

Business.Scoop » Funding For Gumboot Friday Should Pause (Business)

Press Release – New Zealand Labour Party. The comments made by Mike King promoting alcohol use to treat mental health issues are a sad indictment of the ...

A senior Labour MP says we can't underestimate the damage ... (NZCity)

Advocate Mike King yesterday said on Newstalk ZB, alcohol can stop negative thoughts - and could be a solution to mental health. Ginny Andersen says that's ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

NZ Drug Foundation responds to Mike King comments on alcohol (RNZ)

Mental health campaigner Mike King comments that "Alcohol is the solution for people with mental health issues" are being widely condemned by those who work ...

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Image courtesy of "Newstalk ZB"

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Mike King debate ... (Newstalk ZB)

The reason I'm not surprised is because some of what he said is factually wrong. King claimed alcohol wasn't a problem for people with mental health issues - ...

The King and his god complex (The Spinoff)

Incorrect comments about alcohol's effect on mental health are just the latest for Mike King and his one-man crusade against the world.

Release: Funding for Gumboot Friday should pause (NZ Labour Party)

“Do young people have to be hurt before Matt Doocey realises he made the wrong decision to bypass the usual process and fund Gumboot Friday,” Labour mental ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Mental health campaigner Mike King defends claims 'alcohol is the ... (New Zealand Herald)

WARNING: This article discusses suicide, mental health and alcoholism, and it may be distressing for some readers. I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday campaigner.

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Image courtesy of "Public Health Communication Centre"

Alcohol and suicide: The facts (Public Health Communication Centre)

There is a well-established body of research from New Zealand and overseas that clearly links alcohol use with poor mental health outcomes and increased ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Mike King and his god complex (New Zealand Herald)

Originally published by the Spinoff THREE KEY FACTS Madeleine Chapman is the editor of The Spinoff. OPINION There's something darkly hilarious about reading ...

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Image courtesy of "The Spinoff"

The Mike King backlash has quickly turned political. Will it change ... (The Spinoff)

The mental health advocate is standing alone with his claim that 'alcohol is the solution for people with mental health issues'.

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Image courtesy of "Newstalk ZB"

Ryan Bridge: Is the Mike King situation really a big deal? (Newstalk ZB)

Everyone knows he doesn't have a PHD in mental health studies. Settle down, Sally. He looked to me to simply be riffing his opinion. So what? Props to the ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Matt Doocey backs Gumboot Friday after Mike King's alcohol ... (RNZ)

Matt Doocey says nothing is changing after charity founder Mike King said alcohol was not a problem for mentally unwell people.

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Image courtesy of "Chris Lynch"

Debate heats up over Gumboot Friday funding following Mike King's ... (Chris Lynch)

Labour MP Megan Woods and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey have weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding funding for Gumboot Friday, ...

E Tipu E Rea Whnau Services Responds To Public Backlash ... (Scoop.co.nz)

E Tipu E Rea, a Māori health service dedicated to uplifting the wellbeing of mātua taiohi (young parents), stands firm in support of reducing the stigma ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

PM Christopher Luxon responds to Mike King mental health alcohol ... (New Zealand Herald)

WARNING: This article discusses suicide, mental health and alcoholism and may be distressing for some readers. Christopher Luxon has distanced himself from.

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Image courtesy of "waateanews.com"

Gumboot Friday: Mike King defends alcohol comments (waateanews.com)

Today is Gumboot Friday, and I Am Hope Foundation founder Mike King explains his controversial comments about alcohol as a form of temporary relief for ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Mike King: A timeline of ups and downs in mental health (RNZ)

The former comedian is back in the headlines, this time for making controversial comments about alcohol - but it's not the first time he's ruffled feathers.

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Image courtesy of "Otago Daily Times"

Show at centre of alcohol furore granted liquor licence (Otago Daily Times)

A fashion event in Dunedin raising money for suicide awareness has been granted a liquor licence after sparking national headlines when Mike King weighed-in ...

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Image courtesy of "Stuff.co.nz"

Mike King was trying to make a valid point about alcohol, mental ... (Stuff.co.nz)

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson says King was wrong to say alcohol wasn't a risk factor for suicide, but there is some truth in what ...

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