Monkey Off Your Back will see 32 tradesmen, bikers and like-minded people travel on motorbikes from Auckland to Invercargill and back from 1 February until 12 February.
It’s the first time the ride has come to New Zealand after being founded in Australia six years ago, and it will be accompanied by more than 10 planned fundraising and public awareness events around the country.
There will also be many more unofficial fundraising stops along the way, particularly in rural communities where farmers’ mental health is a growing problem.
The ride will help to raise money for men’s mental health, lift the profile of mental health organisations in New Zealand and Australia, and reverse stigma associated with mental illness among men.
It will raise much-needed funds for Lifeline and Beyond Blue, and will also communicate the simple things we can all do to make a difference and help someone who is in need.
The initiative has grown since it began six years ago, when founder Mark Hailes gathered his Australian and Kiwi mates to ride over 1800km on 110cc postie bikes to make a difference to the mental health cause.
To date, the Monkey Off Your Back team have travelled more than 10,000km on motorbikes, held many local events, and have raised over $500,000 for mental health in Australia and New Zealand.
Research shows the suicide rate in the construction industry is almost double any other industry. Meanwhile, male suicide is increasing within New Zealand’s Maori and Pacific Island communities, and rural farmers have alarmingly high suicide rates.
Statistics released last year revealed suicide deaths in New Zealand reached their highest level since records began.
To help riders raise money to turn these figures around, visit www.moyb.org
Anyone who may be feeling distressed can contact the following organisations for support –
New Zealand:
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Youthline 0800 376 633
Australia:
SANE Helpline 1800 18 72 63
Lifeline 131 114
Beyond blue 1300 22 4636
