Four women have slogged up one of the most rugged climbs in the Central Lakes region to support breaking down the stigma around mental health.

They joined Wānaka’s Glen Thurston on day 39 of his 53 day ‘Turn the Corner’ campaign to reach the summit of Lake Hāwea’s Corner Peak every day.

There have been 53 suicides in the construction industry in New Zealand each year since 2107.

Builder Glen said 190 people have come up with him so far, mostly from the construction sector. 

The view from the top at 1683m encompasses Lake Hāwea, Lake Wānaka and the Hunter River. 

“If all of them start talking to their friends… it’s going to be a flow on effect…hopefully we can slowly create a bit more change for our future, my children, your children, their children and it [will] get easier. 

“There is a gap in the system, that gap is us... we’re not talking, if we start talking we are going to fix the waitlists [for those who are really struggling].”

The squad began the climb at 4.30am.

The group agreed getting to the summit was the highlight. 

The evidence: Our reporter and Glen, smiling after dunking their feet in Timaru Creek after the descent. 

It required hiking with a head torch through some muddy ground initially and then steep ascents along skinny sheep tracks, across various terrain, fence crossings and scrambles up and down rocky gullies.

Breen construction employees Almari and Jennie were supposed to join Glen on Friday but the weather caused them to delay their climb until Sunday (January 8).

They were rewarded with a picture perfect day, where new friendships were forged and great conversations on wellbeing and mental health took place.    

Glen said he anticipates a huge turnout on the final day (January 22), including a TV crew.

On that day he will scatter some of his Dad’s ashes atop the mountain, a poignant conclusion and tribute to his dad who died in March 2022 and who also battled depression.

When Glen completes the campaign he will have gained 90,100m in elevation (equivalent to approximately 10 times up Mt Everest), hiked 901 km, and had people from more than 60 companies join him. 

Anyone can participate for free on a Saturday or Sunday.

You’ll need moderate fitness, good shoes, head torch, hiking poles, around 2-3L of water, food, and a wind and waterproof jacket.    

Find the details on the Turn the Corner website or Facebook or Instagram under ‘Turn the Corner’. 

If climbing is not for you, you can buy a ticket to attend the celebration event on January 28 at Lake Hāwea Hotel at 5.30pm. 

Attendees will hear from guest speakers; mental health advocate Matt Chisholm and chief executive of MATES in Construction Victoria McArthur and Glen. There will also be music from Jody Direen.