Magnum Tuipulotu. SPINZ Symposium Presentation, Dunedin, 28 November 2006. http://www.spinz.org.nz

1. 4th National Suicide Prevention Symposium
28th November 2006
University of Otago
Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand
Talofa lava, Malo e Lelei, Ni sa bula vinaka, Taloha ni, Kia
orana, Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia ora, Welcome and warm Pacific
greetings

2. Outline
• Welcome and Tatalo (opening prayer)
• Introductions
• Suicide Prevention and Pasefika
Communities
• NZ Suicide Prevention Strategy
2006-2016
• Open Discussion
• Closing and Tatalo

3. Introductions
• Name
• Organisation
• Role
• How do you see your role preventing
suicide?

4. Suicide Prevention: Pacific
Communities
Statistics:
• 22 deaths by suicide (15 males, 7 females), 2003
• 18 deaths , 2002
• 22 deaths, 2001
Pacific peoples are ranked third compared to other
ethnic groups (Maori, Asian and European/Other)
for rates of suicide. Trends according to specific
population groups (eg, age groups) can not be
accurately reported due to small numbers

5. Suicide Prevention: Pacific
Communities
Pacific Demographics
• Diverse population
- Island-born and NZ-born/NZ-raised
- languages, values, cultural norms, customs
• Predominantly a young population
• 6.5% of New Zealand’s population
• Geographically clustered in low socioeconomic
areas
• Often living in overcrowded conditions
• Low family or household incomes

6. Suicide Prevention: Pacific
Communities
Pacific Demographics cont’d…
• Increased number accessing mental health
services
• Strong sense of belonging to families, church
and community
• Individual’s identity and wellbeing are
traditionally dependent on family heritage, family
connections, roles and responsibilities.
• Family and church provide significant and
meaningful relationships, which can be a
protective factor

7. New Zealand Suicide Prevention
Strategy 2006-2016
Goal 1 Promote mental health and wellbeing, and prevent
mental health problems
Goal 2 Improve the care of people who are experiencing
mental disorders associated with suicidal behaviours
Goal 3 Improve the care of people who make non-fatal
suicide attempts
Goal 4 Reduce access to means of suicide
Goal 5 Promote the safe reporting and portrayal of suicidal
behaviour by the media
Goal 6 Support families/whanau, friends and others
affected by a suicide or suicide attempt
Goal 7 Expand the evidence about rates, causes and
effective interventions

8. Open Discussion

9. Fa’afetai tele lava
Magnum Tuipulotu
SPINZ
Community Liaison
DDI 09 300 7029
Mob 0274 400750
Email magnum@spinz.org.nz