Zack Makoare's response to the death of his son has been recognised with the Supreme National LifeKeepers Award for Suicide Prevention.
The awards, sponsored by suicide prevention organisation Clinical Advisory Services Aotearoa, celebrated individuals making a significant contribution to preventing suicide in their local community. Not least was Mr Makoare's work as director of Te Taitimu Trust, helping to prevent suicide in the Hawke's Bay region.
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Regional suicide prevention co-ordinators within district health boards across New Zealand each nominated an individual or organisation who had made an outstanding contribution to preventing suicide in their local community for the award.
Te Taitimu Trust was Mr Makoare's response to the death of his15-year-old son Kelly 17 years ago.