Be open, be kind says comedian Mike King
Comedian Mike King has praised New Plymouth high school headmaster for his forward-thinking approach to students’ mental welfare issues.
King, who is a well-known voice on mental health, first congratulated New Plymouth Boys’ High School (NPBHS) headmaster Paul Veric about five months ago following a speech in which he told students they are loved and should speak up about their emotions as part of an effort to tackle youth suicide.
And during King’s latest tour around New Plymouth, Veric has again been given a special mention.
‘‘Paul is a leader in the new frontier,’’ King said. ‘‘He speaks to the heart whereas old school teachers speak to the mind. But once you win the heart, you win the mind.’’
Earlier this year Veric spoke on suicide at a school assembly where he also discussed loving thy neighbour and breaking male stereotypes.
The speech was then posted to the school’s Facebook page and shared hundreds of times.
King had visited NPBHS before the speech but still warmed to see Veric’s efforts.
‘‘He’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and that’s important,’’ King said.
‘‘When you walk through the hall, the boys just gravitate to him.’’
King travels the country speaking on the importance of opening up, showing kindness, and setting better examples for children.
His latest visit to Taranaki saw him speak at Devon Intermediate, NPBHS, Highlands Intermediate and Waitara High schools.
‘‘The kids are fantastic. I really enjoy the kids’ vulnerability and their trust that they put in you,’’ King said.
‘‘It’s like being invited into a world you never knew existed.’’
King also went to a number of organisations such WorleyParsons New Zealand, Powerco and a combination of Rotary clubs.
While talks to students focussed on self-esteem, events with adults allowed for a more ‘Q&A’ format, he said.
‘‘Basically I become a mouthpiece for the kids because I’ve been with speaking to them all day.
‘‘My generation have to stop looking at excuses - stop blaming the computer screens, stop blaming the government, stop blaming social media.
‘‘If 40 per cent of students have suicidal thoughts but 95 per cent of New Zealanders have never had that conversation, than we need to be asking ourselves, ‘Why don’t the kids talk to us?’
‘‘For most of us, it’s just we haven’t told them that they can.’’