I AM HOPE and Moko Pounamu Collaboration 2024

In 2023, following a chance phone call to Mike King of Gumboot Friday, Moko Pounamu developed and produced this Limited Edition, exclusive pounamu breastplate to help raise funds for I AM HOPE. 

Designed by Susan Aratema and Mike King, this breastplate was  handcrafted by our talented Moko craftsmen, presented in a Christchurch made sustainably sourced and hand crafted limited edition box, made by the clever gents at  Frontal Lobe - check them out here!

Each lid was signed by Mike King and Richie Barnett (legends!) and proceeds of the sales went directly to I AM HOPE to help fund counselling sessions for New Zealanders under 25 with mental health issues.

Our design work and photography was put together by Jason Bird at Design Co Creative - Check them out here www.designco.co.nz

Lee Weir from the Rock Radio Station jumped on board too! The Rock are huge supporters of I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday and do so much to raise awareness of the mental health issues facing so many New Zealanders.

Check out what Lee had to say here:

And check out Mike's video here:

I AM HOPE shines as a beacon of hope in the darkest moments of young lives. Their unwavering belief is that every young person, irrespective of their background, deserves the nurturing support and a safe haven to openly discuss their challenges. They stand united for all the tamariki across New Zealand, with a resolute goal: to see zero suicides. Together, we can create a future filled with light, strength, and endless possibilities.

https://www.iamhope.org.nz/

https://www.gumbootfriday.org.nz/ 

A breastplate signifies strength and protection in battle, traditionally going into a physical battle. Mental health is an everyday battle for many New Zealanders and the breast plate shape has been chosen not only to acknowledge this battle but to give strength and protection every day.

Koru - The shoots of the silver fern, we have chosen 4 koru for this design, The circular movement to the inner core refers to "going back to the beginnings" as, at times, this is where we need to start. The unfurling frond itself is symbolic of hope, personal growth, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace, significant as we journey through life with its ebbs and flows, ups and downs.

Kahurangi - Genuine West Coast Greenstone from the Marsden, West Coast area. Kahurangi is the rarest variety of pounamu. It is highly translucent and often comes in vivid shades of green. Small, feather-like markings in the stone can give a cloud effect – although to be classed as Kahurangi, this effect must not reduce the stone’s clarity. The word Kahurangi also indicates nobility and refers to precious jewels and held in high esteem by Māori.

NEWS For 2024

We are super excited to be launching a new silver I am Hope line in the very near future and will be releasing the 2024 Limited edition carving in November - pre-orders will open mid October. Watch this space!

And thank you for your overwhelming support of this fabulous charity.