When you look up at Queenstown Hill, it is easy to be swept away by the skyline. The crisp alpine edges, the shimmer of Lake Wakatipu, the kind of view that makes you breathe a little deeper. But soon, tucked into that iconic hillside, something even more meaningful will stand. A lifeline for young people across Aotearoa.
Hope Home 2.0 is the second home Fowler Homes is building to raise vital funds for I Am Hope and the mental wellbeing of our Kiwi youth.
Born from a Simple Idea: Let’s Do Something
The first Hope Home began after the interview Mike King did on The Rock’s Morning Rumble in 2022. It sparked the idea that a house could become a message of hope for young Kiwis struggling with their mental health.
In 2024, the first build went to a live auction and raised an incredible $404,000 for I Am Hope.
Now, Hope Home 2.0 continues that momentum.
This time, the build will be the middle unit in a row of three on Queenstown Hill. It will have a modern work, stay, play feel and elevated views stretching over Lake Wakatipu, Kelvin Heights and the Remarkables.
And the purpose remains the same: to give hope to young people who feel like they’re running out of it.
Every dollar of profit from the sale will go directly towards youth mental health support across Aotearoa.
You Matter. We See You. Help Is Here.
From the very first planning meeting to the final coat of paint, everyone involved in this project is sending one message to our kids: You Matter. We See You. Help Is Here.
Fowler Homes’ managing director, Jason McGirr, says the heart behind Hope Home 2.0 comes from the strength of community generosity:
“This home stands as a testament to the generosity of local trades and suppliers… Their expertise, materials and time will help fund counselling for young Kiwis. Fowler Homes is committed to delivering a home for I Am Hope every two years.”
Why This Build Matters Now
Across Aotearoa today:
- 1 in 5 young people will experience significant mental distress.
- Many will wait weeks or months for support.
- Early help greatly increases the chance of recovery.
Through Gumboot Friday, we connect young people to mental health professionals for free — no barriers, no judgement, and no waitlists. Since 2019, Gumboot Friday has funded over 50,000 counselling sessions for rangatahi.
Hope Home 2.0 will help us reach thousands more.
As Mike King says:
“From the first screw to the last coat of paint, every contribution says to a young person, ‘You matter, and help is here.’ You haven’t just built a home—you’re building honest kōrero and time in a room with a counsellor.”
A Home With a View and a Purpose
It takes a whole team to raise a home. In this case, a whole network of big-hearted Kiwi businesses have stepped forward to donate materials, discount services and give their time. Their generosity ensures that the final sale price will make a lasting difference for young people nationwide.
Hope Home 2.0 includes:
- 251m², three-storey terrace in the heart of Queenstown Hill
- Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, double garage
- Breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
- Designed for modern work-stay-play living
And beyond all the details, every part of this home will help young people feel seen, supported and never alone.
A Community Building Hope Together
Fowler Homes’ commitment to building a Hope Home reminds us of something important. While the mental health crisis facing our youth is big… the heart of Aotearoa is bigger.
To every tradie, supplier, sponsor and supporter, thank you.
You are not just helping build a home on Queenstown Hill.
You are helping build a future where our young people can step forward with hope.
This is what hope looks like.
This is what community feels like.
This is how we change lives, together.
