Mike King Calls for Focus on Constituents After Audit Clears Contract

Mike King, a prominent mental health advocate, has publicly urged Ingrid Leary, a Labour Member of Parliament, to redirect her attention towards her constituents in southern New Zealand. This appeal follows the release of an audit report from the Auditor-General which confirmed that the contract for I Am Hope’s Gumboot Friday initiative is being properly managed.

The report, which was published on October 15, 2023, addressed Leary’s concerns regarding the value for money provided by this mental health programme. Leary had previously called for an investigation into the funding, raising questions about the government’s procurement process. King took to LinkedIn to express his relief and to critique Leary’s focus on funding cuts to his charity rather than attending to the needs of her electorate.

In his LinkedIn post, King stated, “After two years of constant public criticism from Labour MP Ingrid Leary and repeated innuendo about mismanagement of funds, the Auditor-General has now made it crystal clear.” He emphasized that the findings of the report should put an end to the ongoing scrutiny of the Gumboot Friday initiative and allow for a renewed focus on the mental health needs of the community.

King’s comments highlight a growing concern among some advocates about the relationship between government funding and mental health services. The Gumboot Friday programme, which aims to provide free counselling for young people, has garnered significant support since its inception. The initiative has raised more than $1.2 million in donations, demonstrating a strong public commitment to mental health advocacy.

Despite the audit clearing I Am Hope of any wrongdoing, Leary’s persistence in questioning the funding has sparked a debate on the role of government oversight in charitable organisations. Supporters of King argue that such scrutiny can hinder the effectiveness of mental health initiatives, especially in areas where resources are already stretched thin.

As the conversation continues, the focus now shifts back to the responsibilities of parliamentarians to their constituents. King’s call for Leary to prioritize the needs of her electorate reflects a broader sentiment among mental health advocates who believe that effective representation is crucial for addressing community issues.

In the wake of the Auditor-General’s findings, it remains to be seen how Leary will respond and whether she will adjust her approach moving forward. The implications of this situation extend beyond the individuals involved, touching on the broader landscape of mental health funding and government accountability in New Zealand.