We know the conversation around mental health is an important one. 

That’s why we were proud to partner with the Lyttelton branch of the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the Lyttelton Rugby Club to bring Mike King to Lyttelton.  

Over three nights earlier this month, Mike King gave his humorous and thought-provoking talk on his own mental health journey and how to defeat your inner critic.  

Mike’s presentation discusses how we all have an inner critic – something telling us we are not good enough or we are doing things wrong, and how we can stop it from taking over.  

LPC CEO Roger Gray says it was a no brainer to support this work.  

“As a company that has a workforce of over 600 Cantabrians, we know we have a responsibility to support the mental wellbeing of our people and the wider LPC whānau – this includes the Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula communities.

“Mike King has been a leading advocate in the field of mental health, and we are proud to welcome him to the harbour.” 

Mike also emphasised the importance of checking in on your friends and family, as you never know when or how you can change someone’s day.

The initiative was one that was sparked by LPC Foremen Gerard Loader, who started his own mental health journey after listening to Mike King previously.  

“After admitting I needed and got help for my own mental struggles, I thought what can I do to help other people at work and in the community who are struggling but unable or too proud to open up. 

“I am so grateful that LPC agreed to do it not only for their employees but for the wider Lyttelton/Christchurch community and I truly believe that what we have done has had a real positive impact on everyone who participated.” 

Although this was a free event, we encouraged all attending to give a koha/donation to support the Lyttelton Rugby Club’s work around mental health and through the generosity of those attending, raised $1600.