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.

Mā Tērā Ka Aha

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness

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

Support for Rangatahi

The Mental Health Foundation

mentalhealth.org.nz/

Mental Health

melonhealth.com/mental-wellbeing

Puāwaitanga

puawaitanga.nz

All Right?

allright.org.nz

He rā anō

depression.org.nz

Need to talk?

1737.org.nz

Just A Thought

justathought.co.nz

Ka Pou Whenua

https://www.pw.maori.nz/kapouwhenuahome/

Other Supports