A group of locals are taking on an epic challenge to raise funds and awareness for those struggling with mental health.

Hamish Barton, Hamish Blampied, Luke Davids, Tom Searle, Greg McDowell and David Hassan plan to walk the local Warkworth DOC track up Mount Tamahunga 16 times (and a bit more) to climb the equivalent height of the highest mountains in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, (Mt Ruapehu- 2797m and Mt Cook- 3724m) a combined height of 6521 metres. 

The Mount Tamahunga track is a five-kilometre round trip with an elevation of approximately 400 metres. It's a fairly rough track, steep in sections, and is surrounded by beautiful plants, trees and bird life. 

The Tamahunga16 Challenge will take over 21 hours and will happen on Friday, October 1st and October 2nd.

“We all have friends, family, work colleagues, teammates and community members who struggle with mental health challenges,” the group’s Givealittle page explains. 

“There aren't many people who don't experience some kind of mental health challenge at some stage of their life, but sadly some suffer more than others. 

“We want to do this challenge to raise money and awareness for mental health and do our bit to support the amazing work of the Mental Health Foundation in NZ. 

“We'll be dedicating each summit to people who are sadly no longer with us and doing a little ceremony at the summit to remember them.”

Nearly 50% of New Zealanders will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, and no one should have to face it on their own. 

The goal is to raise $16,000 to help the Mental Health Foundation of Aotearoa provide people, workplaces, schools and communities with the tools they need to build positive mental health and well-being, and every little bit counts. 

If you would like to donate to this awesome cause click here