Welcoming the next wave of Pacific suicide prevention leaders

If we can prevent a suicide, there will be one less whānau that has to live with that grief for the rest of their lives. If we can prevent a suicide, then we have a thriving community. And if we can prevent a suicide, we continue our whakapapa, we continue the generational opportunities for our people.
– Selah Hart, Executive National Director of Hauora Māori, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora 

Le Va welcomed the recipients of Round Two of the 2026 Pacific Suicide Prevention Community Fund to Harakeke House in early June, into a space that felt full of purpose and hope. 

Funded by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the initiative supports Pasifika communities to develop their own suicide prevention solutions from the ground up, using approaches that are culturally grounded, locally led, and built on the deep knowledge of the people they serve. 

The fund reflects a strong national footprint, with initiatives spanning Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson/Tasman, Christchurch, Southland, and nationwide delivery. Fifteen organisations, each bringing their own strengths and approaches, united by the same purpose – to prevent suicide. 

The morning opened with prayer from Pastor Tanya Lameta and an expressive gift of siva (dance) from Charlene Tedrow of Ura Tabu, a reminder that this was a Pacific space, held in Pacific ways. 

Leilani Fina’i Clarke, senior manager at Le Va, greeted recipients who had travelled from across the motu, alongside funders, partners and community leaders. She was clear about what the day represented: 

“Today marks more than the beginning of a funding contract. It marks the beginning of new relationships, new opportunities, and community-led action that will strengthen the wellbeing of Pacific families and communities across Aotearoa.” 

Selah Hart, Executive National Director of Hauora Māori at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, delivered the opening address, grounding the mahi in a shared commitment to Pacific lives and futures. 

Johnnie Timu from Brown Pride, a fund recipient, spoke to what that investment means in practice. His words were a reminder that behind every funded initiative is a community that already cares and is now better equipped to act. 

These are organisations working across Aotearoa in churches, community centres and youth spaces – doing the quiet, consistent work that keeps people connected and supported. 

As Leilani said, “Receiving funding through this process is no small achievement. We received an overwhelming number of applications from passionate groups committed to making a difference in their communities.” 

Le Va acknowledges and celebrates the collective strengths, knowledge and leadership that already exist within our communities. We look forward to witnessing the important contribution these initiatives will make to Pacific wellbeing and suicide prevention across Aotearoa. 

Congratulations to our 2026 Round Two recipients:

Learn more about our Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.