Sir John Kirwan’s youth mental health crusade under way.

FIFTY Land Rovers in convoy kicked off a drive through most of New Zealand being undertaken by a sporting legend for a worthy cause, with backing from a vehicle brand.

Land Rover New Zealand has stepped up to help former All Black Sir John realise ‘Mitey Drive’, a  bid to raise funds and awareness for mental health. He’s at the wheel of a Defender the brand has provisioned; a type also being raffled for fundraising.

A run out of the start point, Auckland, to Hamilton yesterday was supported was around 50 other Land Rover enthusiasts in their vehicles, of all types and ages.

The convoy’s involvement for the roughly two hour drive was a symbolic pledge of support for Sir John’s entire drive, which will clock 2100km and take two weeks rather than the usual two or so days, as there are seven planned stop-offs to promote Mitey, an approach to help educate children on how to obtain and maintain great mental health.

The first was today in Hamilton’s Endeavour School and the next is tomorrow, in Tauranga, at Bellevue School. Others are on consecutive following days are in Napier, Wellington, Christchurch then, after a break for the weekend, Dunedin and Invercargill. More details are available by visiting www.themiteydrive.org.

Sir John commented:  “We have a hugely ambitious goal to raise $1 million for the future wellbeing of our tamariki.  

“We kickstarted this drive in Auckland, and if the sheer enthusiasm and support of the Land Rover convoy is anything to go by, I’m confident we’ll reach our goal.  It was inspiring to see so many people turn out on a Sunday morning for this historical moment.”

 “We have some of the worst mental health statistics in the OECD and this will take a generation to change our trajectory.  Mitey helps teach the ‘ABC of mental health’ to children when they’re young, and with New Zealand’s support we will be able to roll this vital programme out to 11,000 more children.”

Says Land Rover New Zealand chief executive Steve Kenchington:  “We want to create an environment that future generations not only survive in, but thrive in, and are proud to support our brand ambassador and good friend Sir John Kirwan with this landmark initiative.”