A positive solution
PHOTO Charlie Rose Creative HAIR Kelly Shephard MAKE UP Hannah Wilson SHOES The Shoe Curator MIKE’S SUIT Kingsman Suit Hire
After struggles with their mental health and loss, Zane Tate and Helena Lowe knew they needed to do something to help provide meaningful change to New Zealand’s mental health statistics.
With previous event management experience, the pair set out to create an event unlike any in Ōtautahi, The Gala, held at the city’s Art Gallery.
With an emphasis on extravagance, the pair have created an ethereal experience where all are welcome in a safe and expressive space. All the while, funds raised are sent to mental health advocate Mike King’s charities, Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope – with Mike providing support and co-hosting the event.
The further motivation behind The Gala comes from Mike’s change-making.
Zane quotes Mike, saying, “It’s time to stop throwing negatives at the problem of suicide and to start throwing positives at the solution.”
Mike’s work in the space is leading to solutions.
Helena says that “every cent Gumboot Friday raises goes into counselling sessions.”
Zane says, “It [Gumboot Friday] is a tangible thing these kids need. They can be on waiting lists for up to a year to enter the public system. And so if you’re a 13-year-old kid, and you’re struggling, being told that you have to wait a year to go and see somebody, that’s a lifetime. So having Gumboot Friday step in and give them a series of counselling sessions is massive for the kids and their families.”
Helena and Zane held their first event last year. Guests were treated to an event “unlike anything in the city”.
A key part of the event is the theme, with last year’s being Camp, which guests are encouraged to dress to.
Zane says that they allow people to be as extravagant as they want to be, with many choosing to have outfits made specifically for the event. This year’s theme is Higher Love: Fashion + A Euphoric Embodiment.
A key aspect of The Gala is its party atmosphere and live entertainment. The pair are keeping their cards close to their chests but assure guests will be in for a few surprises.
“It’s on a grand sort of theatrical scale. And the entertainment this year is even bigger and more grand than what we did last year,” Zane says.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Charlie Jackson, Helena Lowe, Mike King, Zane Tate, and Ali Rossiter.
With guests’ appetite for an extravaganza sufficiently whetted, they will also be kept well-fed with high-end catering. Canapés and champagne will be served throughout the night while guests interact with each other in a safe space.
Alongside the pair have been a number of people working hard behind the scenes to make The Gala a continued success, including sponsors and people on the ground. Two key women lending their skills are creative Charlie Rose Jackson and Ali Rossiter from Epic Entertainment – both vital to the event’s theatrical feel and entertainment offerings.
Early bird tickets are currently available for the event on 5 August.
For sponsorship, donations or volunteer inquiries, contact Zane at info@idcollective.co.nz or Helena at helena@helenalowe.com.