Suicide numbers in NZ are down
according to the yearly statistics
published by the Chief Coroner.
Tairawhiti district which suffered a spike in deaths three years ago
has seen a small decrease
but those who are behind a concept to use Maori knowledge
as a way to help those in distress,
as any death by suicide is one death too many.
Irene Smith has the story.
These are the members of the Grace whanau
who have died by suicide over the years.
To help the whanau,
a mokopapa wananga was organised for them to lift their spirits.
But it wasn't enough to pull one of their kin out of his dark place.
A lot of people are following the signs of the ancestors.
They want to find a connection to their culture,
their genealogy to their ancestors.
Providing support to whanau was Di and Mark Kopua's goal
when Mahi a Atua was established three years ago
when the Gisborne DHB recorded 14 suicides.
That's why we are committed to teaching
this traditional Maori knowledge
as means to instruct and guide our people.
The Chief Coroner's Report says
suicide stats gone down by two in Tairawhiti.
These faces aren't just nameless number in the stats,
but a sign that in the end there is no one cure
to address the pain carried by those who decide to die by suicide.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.
Numerous services provide help such as Lifeline,
Suicide Crisis Helpline,
Healthline and Samaritans.
There are also specific helplines for depression and anxiety.
Here is the contact information for those who would like to seek help.
The Rotorua Lakes Council have published a notice
stating they are preparing to sell Maori owned land in Mourea,
near Rotorua to recover unpaid rates.