On 10 July, as the temperatures drop and the city winds down for the night, Sarah Trotman will put a piece of cardboard out on the cold city centre concrete of Auckland.
This year marks the tenth time she’ll be joining other business and community leaders for the Lifewise Big Sleep Out.
Ten years. That’s a decade of sleeping rough for one night to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting those who sleep rough every night. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy. It’s personal. And it’s necessary.
The First Big Sleep Out
When Trotman participated in the first Lifewise Big Sleep Out, she didn’t expect it to become such a defining part of her commitment to social impact. That first night stripped away many misconceptions she held. “I realised how quickly anyone through circumstance, trauma, or sheer bad luck can find themselves without shelter, security, or support. Homelessness isn’t a “them” issue. It’s an “us” issue”, says Trotman.
Why It Still Matters
In 2025, it’s easy to assume we’ve moved the needle. We talk more about mental health. There are more community outreach programmes. But the reality? Far too many New Zealanders still face homelessness, and many remain unseen.
Lifewise doesn’t just help people survive homelessness—they help them out of it. Their housing-first approach prioritises dignity and long-term solutions. That’s why Trotman keeps up the support, she’s impressed by Lifewise’s commitment to outcomes.
Strong Business Leadership
One of the most encouraging parts of the Sleep Out over the past decade has been the involvement of our business community. Leaders from across industries—banking, tech, media, retail, law—have stepped out of their boardrooms and into sleeping bags. This year, we’re seeing business leaders like Antonia Watson, Rob Campbell, Peter Reidy and Mai Chen among those stepping up alongside new participants who understand that business success means nothing without social responsibility.
Their participation sends a powerful message: that business leaders are not separate from the communities they serve. Many Big Sleep Out participants have gone on to champion workplace giving, hire people with lived experience of homelessness, and drive policy conversations that matter. It’s proof that when business engages with heart, real change happens.
Sleeping Out is Just the Start
Every year Trotman is joined by business and community leaders willing to spend a night on cold concrete to make a difference. It doesn’t enable the full reality of rough sleeping. One night won’t do that. But it does jolt people into action. It opens hearts—and often, wallets.
Over the years, Trotman’s fundraising and supported countless Kiwis into safe housing, and pushed for system-level change. That’s the power of community when it chooses compassion over complacency.
Music with a Mission
Trotman commissioned a song that captures for her the kaupapa of the Sleep Out and the hope one carries into every cold night. Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Tommy Nee wrote and recorded Walk With You, a powerful anthem of empathy, dignity, and solidarity. It’s a song for those on the margins—and for those of us committed to walking beside them. You can listen to Walk With You here.
You can make a difference too
This isn’t about charity—it’s about justice. “I don’t know how many more Big Sleep Outs I’ll do, but I know I’m not done yet. Every New Zealander needs a place to call home”.
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can help. Donate, advocate, or start a conversation. It starts with caring, but it ends with action. Click here to chip in.
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