A Bay of Plenty fundraiser created in memory of a young Tauranga man is rallying support for youth mental health initiatives in schools across New Zealand.

Taylor Kite was 22 when he died in 2022, leaving a lasting impact on his family, friends and wider community.

In the years since, his loved ones have channelled their grief into action through Tay’s Ks.

It’s an annual fundraising event supporting preventive youth wellbeing programmes delivered by Soul Learning Charitable Trust.

Since launching in 2022, participants have walked and run in Taylor’s honour, raising more than $30,000 for youth mental health.

Supporters from around New Zealand and overseas will take part in the initiative, coinciding with the Whitianga Runfest on May 30.

Taylor’s mother, Leigh Kite, said the fundraiser continued to reflect her son’s ability to bring people together.

“This will be the fourth year that I will be running in memory of my son Taylor.

“We do this every year to raise funds for the Soul Learning Trust, which funds preventative mental health in-school programmes.”

Kite believed in empowering young people to be strong from the inside.

“This programme gives them the tools to help them deal with all kinds of challenges that life may throw at them.”

Taylor’s mother, Leigh Kite, has been running in memory of her son for four years.

Among those supporting are Taylor’s close friends Leroy Carter and Cole Forbes, although the pair will miss this year’s event as their Super Rugby Pacific teams, the Chiefs and Blues, face each other on the same day.

Soul Learning founder Leigh Patuawa, who was Taylor’s former teacher at Tauranga Boys’ College, said she felt honoured the Kite whānau had chosen to support the organisation through Tay’s Ks.

At its heart, Tay’s Ks was more than a fundraiser; it was a reminder of the “ripple effect” one life could have, and how connection, community and prevention could create hope from loss, she said.

“With youth mental health continuing to be one of New Zealand’s biggest challenges, Tay’s Ks is showing what community-led prevention can look like when ordinary people come together to create lasting impact in honour of someone they love.”

Patuawa said Soul Learning was different in that it focused on equipping youth with emotional regulation, resilience and self-awareness skills before a crisis.

“We want our young people to know they already carry strength, worth and tools within themselves.

Soul Learning founder Leigh Patuawa (left), running with her daughter Ashleigh Summerville.

“This work is about helping them reconnect to that before they reach crisis.”

The trust equips young people with tools to navigate life’s challenges through wellbeing programmes incorporating reflection, breathwork and emotional resilience practices.

More than 30 schools and 4000 students across Aotearoa have taken part in the programmes so far.

“This is only the beginning,” Patuawa said.

“We want to see this support available in every school in New Zealand.”

Tay’s Ks fundraiser is on Givealittle, with all proceeds supporting Soul Learning Trust’s preventative wellbeing programmes in schools.

To find out more, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/tays-ks-2026

Where to get help:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO (available 24/7)

Youth services: (06) 3555 906

Youthline: 0800 376 633

What’s Up: 0800 942 8787 (11am-11pm)

Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

Helpline: 1737

Gumboot Friday counselling

Aoake Te Rā bereaved by suicide service: 0800 000053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.