Auckland, New Zealand — In a spirited homage to the iconic 1980s hairstyle, The Mullet Matters campaign is set to make a triumphant return, urging individuals to embrace the distinctive mullet while simultaneously raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which garnered the participation of nearly 700 mullet enthusiasts across Aotearoa, this year’s campaign aims to further the conversation on mental health awareness. The collective efforts of participants in 2023 raised over $130,000 in support of the Mental Health Foundation, a prominent charity dedicated to mental health promotion.
Among the returning participants is Hayden McGehan from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, who champions the mullet as a unique conversation starter about mental health. McGehan emphasizes, “You don’t have to walk up to someone and say, ‘Do you want to talk about mental health?’ Someone’s going to come up to you and be like, ‘What’s up with the mullet?’ That’s your in.”
Hayden, a freelance illustrator, went the extra mile last year by creating a mullet-wearing character for friends operating a barbershop. Inspired by The Mullet Matters experience, he permanently inked the character as a tattoo, ensuring a lasting reminder of the impactful event. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get rid of the mullet, but the tattoo will be there forever – that whole event, I’m never going to forget it because it was so powerful.”
Funds raised through The Mullet Matters will contribute to supporting the Mental Health Foundation’s vital mental health resources. These resources, offered free of charge, will aid individuals experiencing mental distress and those supporting them.
The Mental Health Foundation distributes approximately a million free mental health resources nationwide each year, covering crucial topics such as suicide prevention, well-being, depression, anxiety, suicide loss, and more. Blake Taylor from Taranaki, another returning mullet enthusiast, highlights the value of these resources, stating, “I have some hanging up in my office, and having them for free, without the barrier of cost, for our people who are seeking help is amazing.”
As The Mullet Matters gains momentum, it not only showcases a diverse array of hairstyles but also acts as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about mental health, fostering a supportive community across New Zealand.
