Jack Pavich was 19 when he lost one of his closest friends to suicide. The Waikato-based ex-dairy farmer turned business owner believes that, given the right care, the tragedy could have been prevented.

This September the 29-year-old is setting out to conquer the length of New Zealand on foot, tramping Te Araroa to raise awareness and funds for the mental health of young Kiwis.

“Too many young Kiwis are struggling in silence,” he says. 

Pavich is raising money for I Am Hope’s Gumboot Friday initiative. “I chose this organisation so that young Kiwis in need can have access to free counselling. Every step I take is for our rangatahi. Let’s walk this road together.”

Pavich has completed a Great Walk in the North Island and several multi-day trips, but this will be his biggest tramping undertaking yet.

“The bush presents challenges that are unlike the modern world, and overcoming those challenges can have a largely positive effect on my mental health,” he says.

He believes being in nature can help build appreciation for the day-to-day. “I’m mostly looking forward to developing a better understanding of the natural world, and understanding myself better. Hopefully making some friends along the way, too.”

He will be hiking solo and invites anyone   to “come for a wander and a chin wag”. Follow Pavich’s journey via @JPruralkiwi on Instagram.