He toka tū moana,
Ākina tai, ākina ngaru,
Ākina hau.
A rock standing strong and
resolute in the ocean,
withstanding the tides, the waves,
and the elements.
Formed in 2018
Supporting mental health, suicide prevention and postvention.
Tumanako Whāingaroa is made up of local professionals and community members who are passionate about wellbeing and work closely with our wider community. Many have lived experience with suicide and grief.
Connection saves lives. By growing understanding and awareness, drawing on community lived experience, and working together, Tumanako Whāingaroa builds hope and resilience within our community.
Raglan Naturally Community Trust has provided support for Tūmanako Whāingaroa through initial funding for a dedicated coordinator able to strengthen group membership; link with wider supports and opportunities; and foster collaboration with other groups regionally to share resources and strengthen community supports. The Trust has also helped coordinate community events and the annual Hikoi for Hauora which brings together a wide range of local support services.
“This community has the heart of a raiona/lion! They have brought everyone together to illuminate the suicides in their hapori with aroha, mana, knowledge and heart. To increase their basket of knowledge to navigate the tragic losses they have experienced. But most of all, to connect to each other more and utilise the resources available in their community."
Rob Mokaraka, ‘Shot Bro’ creator/presenter
Grounded in compassion
Supporting whānau and the wider community during loss and grief.
Grounded in compassion and collective action, Tumanako Whāingaroa creates safe spaces for kōrero where people feel seen, supported, and able to navigate life’s challenges. We support whānau and the wider community during loss and grief, and build trust so people feel safe to reach out.
Working in partnership with other community services, as well as our neighbouring communities, we help the community access valuable learning tools and workshops such as LifeKeepers and ShotBro. We promote local services and offer practical tools to support those experiencing distress, as well as build resources for the community.
Our annual Hikoi for Hauora suicide awareness event was initially the brainchild of ex-Raglan Area School student, Grace Mindor. The community walks the ‘three bridges’, in the process growing awareness and normalising kōrero about mental health struggles.
To get in touch with Tumanako Whāingaroa, contact Lara at lara.sweetman@raglannaturally.co.nz
"Arohanui and our heartfelt gratitude to Lara Sweetman and the Raglan Naturally team, Teresa and the Raglan Medical team, alongside Te Kura ā Rohe ō Whāingaroa/Raglan Area School for your manaakitanga and courage to illuminate mental wellbeing and suicide prevention as a community."
Rob Mokaraka, ‘Shot Bro’ creator/presenter
The Raglan Chronicle
Whāingaroa hosts inspirational ShotBro performance and Hikoi for Hauora
The community had the opportunity to witness Rob’s skillful storytelling, where he candidly shares his personal mental health struggles and the transformative journey to healing. The event, held in early November, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of local organisers and the generous support of various sponsors and businesses.
The Raglan Chronicle
Community unites for hauora hīkoi.
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 Raglan Chronicle
Community unites for annual mental health event led by Tumanako Whāingaroa.
The Raglan community gathered on Saturday, November 15, for the third annual mental health and suicide-awareness event hosted by Tumanako Whāingaroa—a day dedicated to hope, connection, and strengthening community wellbeing.
What began three years ago, after Raglan Naturally secured funding to bring Rob Mokaraka to town to perform his powerful stage presentation about his lived experience of suicide, has grown into a meaningful annual tradition that continues to deepen its impact. Mokaraka’s visit opened the door for honest conversations about mental health across the community, creating a foundation that this event now builds upon each year.
