Mr Joseph hoped the hui would reach youth effectively, given that it had been organised by the young outreach workers and ambassadors of RAID Muriwhenua, who looked and talked like the people they were working to help.
"Research shows that youth role models or mentors have the best influence on other young people, and are more likely to communicate about suicide intent or ideation. Hence the work that RAID is doing is very important," he said.
The hui was about open and blameless discussion around suicide risk, now that New Zealand was "finally becoming better" at communicating around suicide issues.
"One of the most problematic things has been secrecy, and fear around it being discussed in general," he added.
"If people ignore it as a subject to be discussed, that can potentially increase risk. Communication is not something not to be afraid of.
"The main theme will be the importance of how to start a conversation around suicide. Also it'll be about persuading other people that it is okay to feel the way you do. It's also about raising awareness of who is available around to support emotional issues."
One thing the Far North could do to build resilience was to look at how healthy communities were maintained in the past.
"We don't meet in halls as often as we used to ... so it's important to have places in the community where people can meet and feel supported, whether that's a marae or a church," Mr Joseph said.
"In the old days anyone could make a contribution on the marae. One of the biggest risk factors going under the radar is a lack of young people feeling they are making a contribution to their community outside of the job they work in."
Across Maori, Pakeha and other societies, the factors leading to suicide were the same. It was society that had changed. Fewer families lived next door to each other like they used to; farmers did not have their cousins living down the road like they used to. Less collective living was a huge risk factor."
One of the solutions would be motivating Far Northerners to reinforce the area's pro-social factors instead of its challenges. That meant celebrating strengths and assets, including arts, culture, successful individuals and important tipuna.
They should also reflect on the youth drop-in centre managed by Te Hiku Hauora, by Northland, for Northland play Upstander, and the efforts of the RAID movement to utilise local youth as suicide prevention ambassadors.
Mr Joseph also praised Northland DHB organiser Tania Papali'i, who had "quietly" been working on suicide prevention for years.
"Tania is one of the top suicide prevention co-ordinators in the country, especially in terms of her networks," he said.
"The beauty about Tania is she has respect from communities and will look at it from a grassroots point of view, while keeping in mind DHBs, PHOs and upskilling workers. It's amazing how she pulls people in."
Where to get help:
Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. Text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
0800 WHATSUP (0800 9428 787), Open between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.
Healthline - 0800 611 116
