Zack Makoare receives award for suicide prevention

Zack Makoare has a congratulatory picture taken with Sir Mason Durie (left) and doctors Monique Faleafa and Lance O'Sullivan (right).

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. Mr Makoare's work was as director of Te Taitimu Trust, helping to prevent suicide in Hawke's Bay.

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 his 15-year-old son Kelly 17 years ago.

"I have been trying to spread the word of trust, commitment and aroha," he said. "It's about leadership within families - getting people supporting whanau members and communities.

"It is working with youth about how they can support people."

He said there was always room for more awareness and support of people.

"For Maori, the stats are very high in the suicide space - that is quite difficult to work through."

He said the trust was lucky to have the help of academic, psychiatrist and Te Aute College old boy Sir Mason Durie.

"He has been talking with our youth around shared leadership. A real leader is somebody who actually serves his community."

Each summer the trust holds its Big Camp in CHB which focuses on water safety and leadership skills that empower each young person who takes part.

This year the trust teamed up with Police for the camp to connect with at-risk youth and gang family children.

About 110 youngsters attended the five-day camp at Te Aute College, with a final night closing concert, learn-to-surf days at Pourere Beach under Bronson Primmer and instructors from HB Learn 2 Surf, a Ki-o-Rahi tournament, waka ama and art classes with Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

The awards were part of the launch of LifeKeepers, a suicide prevention training programme funded by the Health Ministry and designed for New Zealand communities.

Where to get help

*Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
* Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7).
* Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO), available 24/7).
* Youthline: 0800 376 633.
* Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7).
* Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm).
* Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7).
* If it is an emergency and you feel you or someone else is at risk, call 111.