LifeKeepers C.A.R.E Heroes vital to reducing suicide

Le Va continues to recognise the vital role communities play in reducing suicide and we are proud to engage with many amazing individuals throughout Aotearoa New Zealand championing suicide prevention. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things – creating communities of C.A.R.E. to prevent suicide. Our LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes are individuals who embody our LifeKeepers model:

Connect with compassion

Ask about suicide with courage

Respond with confidence

Engage with community supports

We are honoured to introduce this year’s LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes:

Ruku I’Anson (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga)
A dedicated mental health helpline volunteer for the past three years; Ruku is driven to help those in crisis find a place where they feel heard and validated. LifeKeepers acknowledges Ruku’s commitment to supporting those in distress and empowering them toward safety.

Poutiri Trust (Te Moana Nui ā Toitehuatahi – Bay of Plenty)
The holistic approach of Poutiri Trust values all elements of hauoranga, fostering healthier and more resilient Waiariki communities. LifeKeepers recognises the manaakitanga, arohatanga, and whanaungatanga of Poutiri across the Bay of Plenty. Their unique and tremendous efforts, especially through the “TOMORROW NEEDS YOU” initiative, beautifully demonstrate the love and care for rangatahi, whānau, and hapori.

Quack Pirihi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Patuharakeke)
Founder of Mana Āniwaniwa in 2023, Quack is committed to preventing and ending suicide within queer and Takatāpui communities. They are passionate about empowering whānau to embrace their mana motuhake and restore tino rangatiratanga. LifeKeepers recognises Quack’s dedication and grit as a taiohi Māori working tirelessly to support our takatāpui and queer communities.

Raniera Pene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rangiteaorere, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Waikato)
Raniera has organised numerous suicide prevention trainings for Māori communities in the Northland region, inspiring whānau to pursue self-determination. He is devoted to enhancing the social and economic wellbeing of Māori whilst motivating whānau to realise their own definitions of rangatiratanga and mana motuhake. LifeKeepers acknowledges the passion and leadership of Raniera, helping whānau define and pursue their own vision of mana Motuhake.

Gemma Turner (Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley)
As a Year 13 student, Gemma created Gigi’s Diary, a mental health resource for youth that has been used by schools and professionals to support young people in managing their mental health. With over 1,000 copies distributed to date, LifeKeepers celebrates Gemma’s determination and heartfelt care for others. Her resource is a powerful tool, helping youth navigate their inner struggles.

Congratulations to all our LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes for their outstanding contributions to suicide prevention! We are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in your communities.

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To learn more about LifeKeepers, or to register for suicide prevention training, visit our LifeKeepers website.