GPS 2025: Roots of Resilience suicide prevention stream

Day One

In the Roots of Resilience stream our aim was to discover ancestral insights for preventing suicide and to empower and equip Pasifika communities with culturally relevant knowledge and tools to prevent suicide and respond safely and effectively when a suicide occurs.

In this talanoa of suicide prevention, the Roots of Resilience stream opened with Matua Witi’s deep reflections on indigenous storytelling.

Matua Witi equipped the audience to explore how indigenous storytelling and whakapapa (genealogy) can strengthen communities to confront and prevent suicide. Matua Witi highlighted how gossip often precedes truth in communal narratives and he emphasised returning to ancestral knowledge to forge better pathways for future generations, using real voices (Heruhāpai and Hera) to surface issues like emotional pain and depression (whakamomori).

Matua Witi talked to the tangihanga (Māori grieving process), showing how expressions of grief (pouri, hotuhotu, etc.) allow emotional release (kua ea). The transformational power of storytelling, reconnecting with identity through tikanga, and warning against oppressive narratives. Matua Witi advocated living lives worthy of the stories our mokopuna (descendants) will tell about us.

Amituana’i Brooke Brake spoke to the Aoake te Rā suicide postvention service, which honours grief and offers culturally grounded support. Amituana’i Brooke spoke to how emotions like anger, guilt, trauma and fear surface in suicide loss and outlined a framework of co-design themes (choice, safety, content) and provider support (training, coaching, kete) for healing communities and building resilience.

Dr Melissa Cragg brought the clinical lens into conversation with culture, unpacking pathways for integrating Pacific values into systems of care. She presented the Kia Piki Te Ora programme, which puts lived experience and whānau voice at the centre of suicide prevention service design. The procurement process highlights identifying suitable partners for co-design and delivery, emphasising a community-driven, kaupapa Māori approach.

Day Two

Day Two of the Roots of Resilience stream centred around frontline initiatives, lived experienced and unwavering dedication to our communities.

Leilani Clarke opened with the Pasifika for Life programme, underpinned by the FLO community fund which empowers Pasifika groups to lead suicide prevention initiatives. Key metrics include $3.55M invested across 41 groups, engaging more than 590,000 people. She reminded us that “connection is protection” – and that our cultural tools are lifelines. Other initiatives, like Mana Restore, Aunty Dee, and NZ Rugby League Wellbeing Waka partnerships, were highlighted as part of a collective effort to ignite hope and preserve life.

Shaqaila Uelese and the Nevertheless Trust advocate for Rainbow Pasifika youth through the AWOL – Ancestral Ways Our Lifeline challenging toxic narratives and amplifies cultural connection and pride (proud to be Pasifika). Shaqaila bravely shared her personal story, illuminating the power of youth voice and peer leadership in suicide prevention. Her authenticity challenged us to listen deeper and lead differently.

Chelsea Cuthers-Munro’s short film ‘The Vaka That Waited’ is a powerful metaphor for answering the call to reclaim one’s truth. It speaks to the experience of masking trauma and silence, and the sacred pivot toward healing through empathy and compassion. The central message: The vaka that waits is you – a call for collective self-discovery and transformation. Her message was clear: “Don’t wait to be ready – just start.”

Together, the speakers for our Roots for Resilience stream embodied resilience in action – a reminder that suicide prevention is not just a programme, but a movement grounded in aroha, culture and community.

On behalf of our suicide prevention teams and senior managers Leilani Clarke and Tiana Watkins, to our esteemed speakers and our amazing vendors, we would like to extend our warm fa’afetai tele lava, malo ‘aupito, fakaaue lahi and thank you for making our Roots of Resilience stream a highlight at our recent Global Pacific Solutions Conference.