Melie Kerr has just recently become the captain of the White Ferns Cricket team, now leading some of the women she idolised growing up.

This episode was originally released in October 2023, but it still remains one of my favourite episodes of all time, so I thought I’d reshare it in case you missed it the first-time round.

Melie made the White Ferns while she was still in her mid-teens.

It was while she was still at school, at age 17 she scored 232 not out against Ireland which was the highest score in women’s ODI cricket at the time.

She’s played all over the world, earned big contracts in India, bought her first home at 22, and is now in her mid-20s and playing some of the best cricket of her life!

But this episode isn’t just about cricket.

Melie talks very openly and articulately about her harrowing mental health journey and the moment her life nearly came undone.

She talks about the support of her family and close friends and the reality of recovery.

This is not an easy listen. But I think it’s an important conversation and one I think will help a lot of people. 

If any of the contents raise concerns for you or someone you care about, here are a list of resources from the Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand where you can connect with a professional:

Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0)

Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Aoake Te Rā 0800 000 053 Bereaved by suicide service.

And to check out Melies incredible “Treading Water” video series, click this link: https://outoftherough.nz/

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