Mā Tērā Ka Aha

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness

At Te Hui Āhurei, the regional Kapa Haka competition, we launched Mā tērā ka aha, a suicide prevention campaign created especially for whānau across Te Tai o Poutini.

Our region offers a unique landscape; the mountains, rivers, and sea connect us. But what truly gives Te Tai o Poutini its strength is our people. Our whānau voices, our stories, and the way we come together when times are tough.

Mā tērā ka aha was born from that strength. It’s about opening up the kōrero, listening to each other, and reminding every person that they are seen, valued, and never alone. When we share our stories, the hard ones, the hopeful ones, and everything in between, we create understanding, healing, and change.

Having a clear, trusted regional identity helps us bring this mahi to life. When whānau see Mā tērā ka aha, they know it’s something real, something local and something made with aroha for our communities. It’s a reminder that help and hope live right here, within us.

Mā tērā ka aha asks us not to wait until it's too late to say what needs to be said. From pain can come connection. From silence can come kōrero. And from loss, together, we can grow hope.

Current Collaboration

In partnership with Poutini Waiora, Purapurawhetu, and Te Whatu Ora, Kā Pou Whenua offers an after-hours crisis support service for Tangata Whaiora aged 18 and over.
This service is for people experiencing mental or emotional distress who may not meet the criteria for specialist services, but still need meaningful support in their hauora journey. Rooted in Mātauranga Māori and guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, Kā Pou Whenua uses a whakapapa-informed approach, acknowledging where someone has come from while helping them step toward a stronger future. This ensures whaiora and their whānau receive holistic, wraparound care that upholds their identity, strengths, and aspirations.
Referrals are required to access this service- please speak to your support person at Poutini Waiora.
You can learn more here:
https://www.pw.maori.nz/kapouwhenuahome/
Rongoā Māori are anicent traditions of healing that have been created and carried down the generations by Māori for centuries. Poutini Waiora work with Manahua Mirimiri & Romiromi to provide a pathway for our whānau to explore this realm of healing too whakatau (calm0 the tinana (body) hinengaro (mind), mauri(lifeforce) and wairua (spirit). They shift trapped energies that may be causing pain and discomfort.
This service is available to whānau to be referred to, please reach out to your support person at Poutini Waiora to get access to this kaupapa.
Alternatively, if you do not have a support person and you are curious to expore this pathway, they do also old community clinics across Tai Poutini- check out their page to learn more: https://www.manahua.co.nz/

Are you looking for support?

Phonelines

Ka Ora Telecare provides people living in rural areas with a quick, easy way to connect with a health care professional for after-hours Medical Advice and Treatment.
Here’s how it works: The service is open 5 pm to 8.30 am (evening and overnight) on Weekdays, and 24 hours a day on Weekends and Public Holidays.
Call 0800 252 672
https://kaora.co.nz/app/
Lifeline aims to reduce distress and save lives by providing free, confidential support via our community helplines to anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354)
or send a text to HELP (4357)
A free, nationwide service available 7 days a week.
TAUTOKO is operated by trained and experienced social service practitioners who have undergone suicide prevention training.
0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)
For more information on these services: https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services
They offer understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety. Their mission is to lessen the impact of these challenges on New Zealanders' lives by promoting early recognition, encouraging help-seeking, and fostering supportive communities.
Call 0800 111 757
Text 4202
Call 0800 111 757
Text 4202
For more information: https://www.depression.org.nz/get-help
Samaritans operates a 24/7 crisis helpline, Confidential, non‑judgemental & non‑religious support. They are community volunteers who utilise their phones for the community.
Call 0800 72 66
For more information: https://www.samaritans.org.nz/
Anxiety NZ offers specialist clinical services, ongoing peer support groups, educational resources, and immediate help via our free 24/7 phone line.
Call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 438)
For more information: https://anxiety.org.nz/
If you or someone you care for is unwell, you can call Healthline for free, expert health advice from nurses and paramedics. Healthline is available any time of the day or night, every day of the week.
Call 0800 611 116
For more information: https://info.health.nz/services-support/online-phone-healthcare/healthline

Ka Ora Telecare provides people living in rural areas with a quick, easy way to connect with a health care professional for after-hours Medical Advice and Treatment.
Here’s how it works: The service is open 5 pm to 8.30 am (evening and overnight) on Weekdays, and 24 hours a day on Weekends and Public Holidays.
Call 0800 252 672
https://kaora.co.nz/app/
0800 What’s Up is run by Barnardos New Zealand. We’re a free, nationally available counselling helpline and webchat service for children and teenagers aged 5-19. Available Monday- Sunday 11 am-11 pm.
Call 0800 942 8787
For more information: https://whatsup.co.nz/
West Coast Health offers the Youth Online Service (YOL), which provides support and intervention to clients aged 12-24 with mild to moderate mental health issues.
For more information: https://westcoasthealth.nz/your-health/mental-health/youth-online-program