Mike King

Founder, Ambassador & Trustee

In a past life, Mike was one of New Zealand's most well known entertainers, but that role has changed dramatically since the conception of the radio show The Nutters Club in 2009. The show evolved from Mike's own experience of mental illness and addiction, and has become a huge success with it now airing Sunday evenings on Newstalk ZB.

These days, Mike is better known for his work as a prominent mental health educator and Ambassador for both I Am Hope and the Key to Life Charitable Trust. He uses an unorthodox approach when talking to youth and wider communities, sharing his struggles with his inner critic and allowing people to recognise that everyone has problems and it's ok to ask for help.

Although suicide prevention is the big picture, Mike doesn't actively discuss it, choosing to concentrate on delivering a hopeful message and connecting people, services and resources within the community.

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Mike's work is invaluable to I Am Hope and The Key to Life Charitable Trust. His passion and dedication is unwavering, whether it be mentoring young people on a one-to-one basis, or visiting schools, Mike is always delivering his message of hope in some way or another. 

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For his contributions to mental health in New Zealand, Mike was named New Zealander of the Year 2019 by Kiwibank.