He Whai Mo Te Ora sits under the Kia Piki Te Ora contract.

It is a community-led suicide prevention approach focused on:

· Reducing risk

· Increasing awareness

· Strengthening confident response

We build capability in everyday people so communities can respond early, safely, and effectively to suicidal distress.

1. What is He Whai Mō Te Ora?

Anyone willing to stand steady when things get hard.

Whānau. Community leaders. Educators. Social workers. Youth. Elders.

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If people already come to you when they are struggling — this is for you.

2. Who is He Whai Mō Te Ora for

A Pouwhirinaki is a trusted, steady person in the community who:

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· Recognises signs of suicidal ideation

· Responds calmly and directly

· Holds safe conversations

· Connects people to the right supports

· Does not minimise or panic

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They are not therapists. They are capable first responders in their own spaces.

3. What is a Pouwhirinaki (Champion)?

We focus on three areas:

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• Prevention – Strengthening relationships, identity, emotional skills, and protective factors before crisis.

• Intervention – Training people to respond confidently to disclosures of suicidal thoughts.

• Postvention – Supporting whānau safely after attempts or loss to reduce further harm.

• A key priority is normalising direct, safe conversations about suicide. Avoidance increases risk. Capability reduces it.

4. How does He Whai Mō Te Ora approach suicide prevention?

We:

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• Create safe, culturally grounded spaces for honest kōrero

• Teach people how to ask direct questions without fear

• Support emotional regulation and clear thinking during crisis

• Connect whānau with professional services when needed

• Strengthen protective networks around the person

• The goal is not dependency. The goal is stronger community response.

5. How does He Whai Mō Te Ora support whānau experiencing suicidal ideation?

• 1-day wānanga

• Ongoing training

• Practical workshops

• Community presentations

• Resource tools (print and practical guides)
   

This is applied learning — not theory heavy.

6. How is the program delivered?

No.

While grounded in values of service, integrity, and collective care, it is inclusive and open to all beliefs.

7. Is this a faith-based initiative?

Tikanga Māori is foundational.

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Whakapapa, whānaungatanga, manaakitanga, and hauora Māori guide how we engage, respond, and restore balance.

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This is culturally anchored suicide prevention — not culturally added on.

8. What is the role of tikanga Māori in He Whai Mō Te Ora?

We strengthen local champions within those communities.

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Instead of relying only on external services, we increase internal capability so support is closer, faster, and relationally connected.

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Multiple Pouwhirinaki across regions widen the safety net.

9. How does He Whai Mō Te Ora address rural and isolated communities?

Attend a wānanga.

Step forward as a Pouwhirinaki. Partner with us.

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Contact: kiapikiteora@tehikuhauora.nz

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This work requires collective strength.

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No one person fixes suicide. Communities reduce it

10. How can I get involved?

He Whai Mo Te Ora is delivered under Kia Piki Te Ora, designed by Dr Maria Baker, and implemented by experienced social work practitioners and community leaders working directly with whānau.

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We also work alongside the Mahitahi Rōpū o Muriwhenua Collective, sharing strategies, refining approaches, and strengthening our regional response together.

11. Who leads He Whai Mō Te Ora?

Yes.

We do not replace clinical services. We strengthen the pathway toward them.

We work alongside mental health providers, crisis teams, and social services to ensure whānau can access the right level of care when needed.

12. Is professional help available through this program?

We welcome partnerships with organisations that share our kaupapa. Whether through funding, resource sharing, or collaborative workshops, we believe in a collective approach to suicide prevention. We are already part of a collaborative network called Te Roopu Mahitahi O Muriwhenua, and we encourage all organisations to join this collective. By doing so, we can strengthen our networks, learn about the services others provide, and work together to make a greater impact in our communities.

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For more information or to get involved, please contact us at: kiapikiteora@tehikuhauora.nz

13. How can organisations partner with He Whai Mō Te Ora?