Suicide prevention

A number of initiatives have been undertaken to prevent suicide among Māori youth, often on the iwi level.

Waka Houroa is an organisation dedicated to prevention of suicide among Māori and Pacifica young people.

It is intended to

• build the capacity and capability of Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, Pasifika families and communities, to prevent suicide and to respond safely and effectively when and if suicide occurs
• ensure that culturally relevant education and training are available to Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, Pacific families and communities that focus on building resilience and leadership
• build the evidence base of what works for Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide, through research carried out by, with and for these groups, and build the leadership for suicide prevention

Applying a Māori framework such as Te Whare Tapa Whā is important in implementing any prevention strategy.

Next up: Suicide case study