05/11/2025
"These statistics remind us that su***de prevention must continue to be led from within our communities.” Tiana Watkins, Senior Manager at Le Va, speaks to the strength of Māori and Pacific-led solutions following the latest release of su***de data for Aotearoa, which shows that Māori and Pacific peoples remain most affected. Read more below.
If you or someone you know is in distress, help is available 24/7: Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor.
The latest su***de data from the Chief Coroner and Te Whatu Ora shows that while the overall rate for Aotearoa hasn’t changed significantly, Māori and Pacific peoples remain most affected.
For Māori, the rate of suspected self-inflicted deaths has increased slightly, reminding us that inequities persist. For Pacific peoples, rates have remained steady, showing both ongoing challenge and community resilience.
But we cannot stay complacent – low numbers do not mean low need. Every loss carries deep mamae and reminds us why connection, culture, and compassion matter most. Over time, if we stay connected, we stay protected.
That’s why Le Va continues to strengthen Māori- and Pacific-led solutions through Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori, Mānava Ola: LifeKeepers for Pacific, and FLO: Pasifika for Life – initiatives that protect our people and empower communities to care for each other.
“These statistics remind us that su***de prevention must continue to be led from within our communities,” says Tiana Watkins, Senior Manager at Le Va.
“To make lasting change, every part of the system – health, education, justice, and social services – must work together so that prevention is stitched into the fabric of how we care for our people.”
Together, we can build a connected, compassionate Aotearoa where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
www.leva.co.nz/our-stories/communities-urged-to-stay-connected/
If you or someone you know is in distress, help is available 24/7:
📞 Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor.
***dePrevention