Sunday, 10th November, was a special day of coming together, reflection, and learning as the community gathered to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
The event, held at The Yard in Raglan town centre, began with an opening karakia, timed to coincide with the Sunday Busking Day in the closed-off main street. From there, attendees participated in a Hīkoi for Hauora around the Three Bridges. The walk, surrounded by the beauty of our whenua and moana, created opportunities for connection through wairua, tinana, hinengaro, and whānau—the four pillars of Te Whare Tapa Whā.
The Yard courtyard then became a welcoming space filled with community connections. Whaea Lucy Haru and Betty Diprose sang and shared heartfelt stories, while people of all ages created beaded bracelets, harakeke putiputi (flax flowers), and contributed to a collective art project. Over 200 sausages were served at the BBQ, ensuring no one left hungry.
Local wellbeing services from Whāingaroa and Hamilton were present to offer support and guidance. A huge thank you to Chelsea of Te Toi Ora ki Whāingaroa, Daniel of Waiora Wellness, Cass of Whāingaroa Youthwork Collective, Kuljeet and Medi of Youth Intact, Elise of OUTline, Rose of Know Your Stuff, Herani Davey of Takarangi, Viv Head of The Yellow Brick Road, Jo Wallis of Raglan Foodbank, and Ruby Gibbs of The Mental Health Tool Box for their valuable contributions.
This day provided a vital opportunity to honour those lost to suicide while growing support for those who are struggling and their loved ones. As Teresa Morgan from the Suicide Awareness Group noted:
“I made so many special connections and met people who were paddling the same waka, on the same road, wanting the same things. Watching others connect was so heartening.”
Heartfelt thanks also go to Matua Sean Ellison for karakia and support, Whaea Lucy Haru for your waiata, Lisa Thomson for your backing, and the Raglan Suicide Awareness Team—Teresa, Betty, Craig, and Jo—for leading the event. Special acknowledgement goes to Gabrielle and Raglan Naturally for coordination and funding support, Naomi and Brian and the team at The Yard, WEC for providing gazebos, Joan Loten for the flowers, Ash, Becky, and Vida for their contributions to beading and art, Margaret Dillon for capturing the day in photos, Brandon at the kai table, and everyone who joined, supported, and shared in the event.
We recognise that a day like this can bring up strong emotions. If you need support, please reach out to someone close to you or contact Teresa Morgan, Kaiawhina, at Raglan Medical on 021 242 0114 or email teresa.morgan@raglanmedical.co.nz for information on available support.
The Suicide Awareness Group welcomes anyone interested in getting involved. Please reach out to Teresa to join this important kaupapa.
“Silence isn’t the answer to suicide, so let’s keep the kōrero going.”
