National Māori and Pasifika Suicide Prevention Programme
WAKA HOURUA
Te Rau Matatini Chief Executive – Maria Baker
4 July 2017 1.00pm release
Waka Hourua is the National Māori and Pacific Suicide Prevention Programme funded by the Ministry of Health. Delivered
by Te Rau Matatini and Le Va, emerging evidence has demonstrated that responding to suicide among young Māori and
Pacific people requires a different approach than for other age groups and Pākehā. Suicide prevention approaches must
include particular cultural, social, historical and community contexts which may influence suicide risk for young Māori
and Pacific people.
“Young Māori and Pacific people, with their families and communities are playing a critical role in suicide prevention.
They are providing natural social supports to vulnerable people, they are reaching out to help, they are engaging in
follow up care, fighting stigma and supporting people bereaved by suicide”.
Young Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand are identifying a preference for a more youth focused, culturally sound
and direct approach to talking about suicide. They are asking for programs that connect with them as individuals and as
members of larger family units and communities. They are asking for diverse and meaningful approaches to provide them
with the skills, resources and strength in ways to understand and respond if someone might be struggling or at risk.
Māori and Pacific tailored methods of engagement and knowledge have shown to be effective in building the knowledge and
confidence among participants. Programmes and initiatives where young people are mentored and trained are operating as
natural helpers also appear to have good outcomes.
What we have found is that there is an increasingly strong voice among young Māori and Pacific who are leading the
charge in suicide prevention in New Zealand. They are seeking a role in the design and delivery of suicide prevention
programs, and with the right support will shape successful strategies for their peers into the future. On this basis,
Māori and Pacific Youth have a very important leadership role in youth based suicide prevention in New Zealand.
For more information go to:
Rangatahi suicide prevention videos:
Rangatahi cybersafety video:
Whānau and rangatahi suicide prevention resource:
Rangatahi suicide prevention hui and hui video:
Te Kāhui Ururoa National Rangatahi Council Network:
ends