Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Hauora Māori Service Directorate is today releasing He Arotake: Te Aka Whai Ora Suicide Prevention and Postvention Review, a comprehensive report aimed at enhancing suicide prevention and postvention services for Māori across Aotearoa.

Following an independent review, He Arotake presents critical insights and actionable recommendations to improve system-wide suicide prevention efforts.

The review included extensive consultations with whānau affected by suicide, hapū and communities, professionals, and suicide prevention and postvention services - all offering valuable insights and recommendations on the needs and experiences of Māori communities.

The report also looked at the extent to which services in their current form support the delivery of the goals and aspirations of Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2019 – 2024 and Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022.

Riana Manuel, National Director Hauora Māori Service Directorate, says in the face of the profound impact of suicide, there is recognition of the need for effective prevention strategies and support mechanisms to address the silent epidemic. 

“Suicide is a tragic and complex issue and casts a long shadow over whānau affecting all ages and all walks of life. The impact reverberates through close knit communities and leaves behind a trail of grief, confusion, and unanswered questions”.

“While the challenges are immense, there is hope as agencies, hauora providers, and whānau explore innovative approaches and invest in culturally responsive solutions grounded in te ao Māori”. 

Riana Manuel understands that kaupapa Māori approaches can play a significant role in the reduction of suicide in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“But this needs to be backed by a more culturally responsive workforce and greater efforts to equip whānau and communities with practical tools to prevent suicide”.

Health NZ is committed to improving mental health services and empowering whānau and communities. This includes a focus on incorporating kaupapa Māori approaches to better meet the needs of Māori communities and ensure culturally appropriate services.

The insights from He Arotake report will inform the development of a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which will integrate the findings and ensure consistency with kaupapa Māori principles.

ENDS

 

Note to Editors

  • In-person and online surveys were conducted from July to November 2023 and covered the period 30 June 2020 to 30 June 2023 which aimed to assess suicide prevention and postvention delivery.
  • The review included the following key activities:
    • Scan of data on suspected self-inflicted deaths and hospitalisations for intentional self-harm by Māori.
    • Interviews with the 36 Te Aka Whai Ora and Health NZ partners currently delivering suicide prevention and postvention services.
    • Survey of 149 professionals whose work contributes to preventing and responding to suicide by Māori.
    • Wānanga with 28 whānau in Whangārei, Tāmaki-Makaurau, Rotorua and Ōtautahi to better understand the extent to which their needs and aspirations are being met by current services.
  • The Ministry of Health’s Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2019 – 2024  for Aotearoa New Zealand is coming to its end of life.
  • Every Life Matters: He Tapu Te Oranga o ia Tangata, Suicide Prevention Strategy 2019-2029 (He Tapu te Oranga) was published 2019 and includes the strategic framework. It is designed to be supported by two five-year action plans that would contain the practical activities to drive change.
  • The first Suicide Prevention Action Plan, covering 2019–2024, expires at the end of this year. The goals of the second iteration of the Suicide Action Plan are to provide ongoing direction towards the goals of Every Life Matters - He Tapu te Oranga.

 

Media enquiries: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz