22 June, 2025

A mammoth fitness event is set to put Rolleston on the map, as thousands of people come together to raise money for mental health.

Foster Park will play host to HIIT for Hope in November this year - a mass-participation workout that aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class in a single venue.

The current record of 3,804 participants was set by UK fitness coach Joe Wicks in London back in 2017, but organisers hope to bring together up to 10,000 participants, raising awareness on the positive impact exercise can have on our mental well-being.

Inspired by his family’s own mental health struggles, HIIT for Hope founder Jared Rogers says the event is about more than just fitness.

“It’s about using the power of movement to connect people and accomplish something significant as a nation, all while raising crucial funds for mental health initiatives across New Zealand.”

The event will be open to all ages and fitness levels, and participants are encouraged to take part not only to help break the record, but to experience how good exercise and a community driven event can make them feel both mentally and physically.

“The Guinness World Record criteria states that people just have to do their best. We know that looks different for everyone, so we’ll make sure that there are exercise options for everyone.”

“We have one rule though, absolutely no burpies!”

Backed by the Diamond Charitable Trust, HIIT for Hope has teamed up with Voices of Hope as the event’s main charity partner.

VoH co-founder Genevieve Mora says the charity is honoured to be involved.

“We know how beneficial movement can be for mental wellbeing, and we really believe in the power of community and connection; something this event is strongly aligned with.”

“As a small, non-government-funded charity, financial support is always a challenge. To have HIIT for Hope stand alongside us and back our vision means more than words can express. Together we are so much stronger!"

The HIIT for Hope team have now set an ambitious target of raising $500,000 for mental health, with various fundraising avenues being utilised in the lead up to, and on the day of the event.

“We’ve engaged with many local businesses to raise funds through creative activations and events, as well as hosting a weekly donation-based group fitness class.”

“We’ve also launched a Give-A-Little page, where people can make small donations online.”

More than just a workout

While the group workout will be the headline attraction in November, attendees will also be able to watch members of the Police, Fire Service, Army and St John paramedics go head-to-head in a test of brains and brawn in the Frontline Games.

Up to 200 local businesses will also showcase their products and services in a Business Hub Expo, and following the record attempt celebrations will continue with Rolleston’s first-ever Food Festival on Tennyson Street.

“The aim is to create an immersive event and a full day out for participants, families, friends and businesses to connect and share their experiences all for a good cause.”

Sign-ups now open

With the date of the record attempt set for Saturday 29th November, Rogers says the focus now is about encouraging sign-ups and donations.

“People can still register on the day, but it would be incredible to see that number grow well before then. That’s why we’ve decided to launch so far out.”

“Our message is clear - when people move together, great things happen. By bringing together thousands in one place for a common cause, HIIT for Hope promises to be a milestone moment for not just Rolleston, but for New Zealand, and for mental health advocacy across the country.”

Registrations are now open. For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.hiitforhope.com/

About Diamond Charitable Trust:

The Diamond Charitable Trust believes that thriving, connected communities are the foundation of true wellbeing.

Founded in 2025 by Jared Rogers and Alan Farragher the trust aims to raise funds for other organisations and support in spreading the word through bold and creative fundraising methods.

About Voices of Hope:

Voices of Hope is a mental health charity driven by the power of lived experience storytelling. Founded in 2017 by Genevieve Mora and Jazz Thornton, both of whom have faced their own battles with mental illness, Voices of Hope exists to empower, inspire, and remind people that it’s not weak to speak.

Through school talks, video campaigns, and a strong presence on social media, VoH reaches people across Aotearoa and beyond.

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