Whanaungatanga: Creating opportunities that support wāhine and kōtiro Māori from kāhupo to mauri ora

Me aro koe ki te hā o Hineahuone
Pay heed to the mana and dignity of Māori women

Whanaungatanga: Creating opportunities that support wāhine and kōtiro Māori from kāhupo to mauri ora applies a kaupapa Māori lens to explore prevention and solution approaches that will support the reduction of death by suicide among wāhine Māori (Māori women) and kōtiro Māori (Māori girls) in Aotearoa. It draws attention to manaaki opportunities – opportunities to support, take care of, show respect and generosity towards, and care for wāhine and kōtiro who may be at risk of suicide.

The rates of suicide among wāhine and kōtiro Māori are disproportionate compared with non-Māori women and girls. This inequity contributes significantly to the current health and wellbeing disparities that they experience.

An imperative for Māori suicide prevention is to develop a kaupapa Māori lens that elevates Māori experiences, cultural narratives and healing traditions in a way that advances rangatiratanga (self-determination and leadership). Through this lens, the wellbeing of every person is the concern of the entire collective. Recognising mana-wāhine and mana-kōtiro (prestige or dignity of women and girls) is also key to preventing suicide among wāhine and kōtiro.