Mental Health:

For Something Bigger…

Group of six children playing with a yellow hoop outside on a grassy area in front of a building.
Stylized graphic of a green check mark and a green hammer, with text that reads 'Prevent Self-Judgment, Self-Justification, Self-Evaluation, Self-Comparison'.

Our commitment

Ten percent (10%) of every single booking made through The Movement Project is donated to the Sir John Kirwan Foundation.

The Sir John Kirwan Foundation is a New Zealand based organisation committed to turning the tide on mental health in Aotearoa. At the heart of their work is Mitey, a school-wide mental health education programme designed to equip every child with the knowledge and skills to understand and nurture their own mental health, embedded directly into everyday learning through the NZ Curriculum.

What makes Mitey unique is its whole-school approach. A dedicated Mitey coach works alongside each school providing tailored professional development across teaching, policy, staff wellbeing, and community engagement. The result is a lasting foundation of children who grow up understanding mental health, equipped to support themselves and the people around them, for life.

Our partner: The sir john kirwan foundation

Sir John Kirwan is one of New Zealand’s most recognised advocates for mental health. He was an All Black for 11 years, coached the Italy national team, the Japan national team, and the Auckland Blues in Rugby and Super Rugby throughout his career, and worked as a rugby commentator, panelist, and analyst, showcasing his deep commitment to the sport. Aside from Kirwan’s plethora of athletic achievements, at TMP, we believe he is most inspiring for his willingness to speak openly and courageously about his own experience with depression. That story has shifted the national conversation around mental health, particularly for men and athletes — two communities that sit at the very centre of TMP’s mission.

There is a parallel between what Sir John Kirwan has done in mental health advocacy and what The Movement Project will strive to do in the fitness space: break down stigma, challenge outdated perceptions, and open doors for people who have previously felt excluded. We are aligned in our belief that mental wellbeing is not a niche concern but a universal crisis. And it starts early.

Why we chose this partnership

The Foundation’s focus on youth mental health education also resonates personally. As a young person who has navigated high performance sport and chronic illness, I understand the relationship between physical and mental health firsthand. Therefore, investing in the next generation’s understanding of wellbeing is something TMP is deeply committed to.

Two rugby players in black uniforms competing for the ball on a green field, with other players and spectators in the background.
A man with gray hair and glasses wearing a plaid jacket and a peach shirt, smiling against a gray background.
Children standing in line outside school, with two children in front facing each other, appearing to compete or play a game, on a bright sunny day.
A boy in a blue shirt pointing at a diagram of a person on a red classroom wall. The wall features various educational posters and text about feelings and actions, including phrases like 'Tumbling and dancing' and 'Spinning Held fast.'

Where your contribution goes

Every dollar donated through TMP goes directly toward funding Mitey’s school-based mental health education programme — supporting more schools, more coaches, and more children across New Zealand gaining access to mental health literacy that could change the course of their lives.