36 hours erg for a cause

35 Hours for 2,118 Lives: Otago Boys’ Rowers take on the erg for men’s mental health

What began as a conversation among teammates has grown into something much bigger - a bold challenge in support of men’s mental health.

Next month, on October 9 and 10, four Otago Boys’ High School rowing students have committed to spending 35 hours and 18 minutes on a rowing machine - one minute for each of the 2,118 men lost to suicide in NZ over the past five years.

Nick Thom, Ben Thompson, Tom Collie, and Ollie Scott will each row just under nine hours in one-hour shifts, testing their endurance and determination in a physical challenge driven by a higher purpose.

Their goal is to raise awareness for men’s mental health and remind other young men that it’s okay to speak up and ask for help. “If this helps even one person, then it’s worth it,” Event organiser Nick Thom said.

Funds raised will go to Movember - New Zealand’s leading organisation dedicated to men’s health, including mental health support, suicide prevention, and research into prostate and testicular cancer. A link to donate can be found here: