Groundbreaking suicide prevention research led by Le Va’s chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, has recently been published in the internationally renowned academic journal Crisis.
It highlights the transformative impact of LifeKeepers – Le Va’s national suicide prevention training programme – an initiative that is funded by the Ministry of Health for all of New Zealand and is changing the suicide prevention landscape in Aotearoa.
The findings are based on nearly 6,000 New Zealanders participating in the study, making it one of the largest gatekeepers suicide prevention research of its kind in Aotearoa and globally.
“Many people at risk of suicide, especially our young people, often do not seek or have access to mental health services or support prior to engaging in suicidal behaviours. That is why it is critical that every person in Aotearoa knows how to spot the signs that someone is in distress and has the confidence to ask them directly if they are thinking about taking their life. It’s not easy but it could save a life and we have evidence the training has equipped people to do just that,” said Denise.
The evidence is clear –
- LifeKeepers training results in immediate and measurable increases in participants’ knowledge, intervention skills, and confidence to act.
- The programme is highly effective and widely accepted, particularly within Māori communities – a critical priority population group for our nation.
What sets LifeKeepers apart is its uniquely New Zealand context.
This research signals an urgent opportunity to expand the reach of LifeKeepers as a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s multifaceted suicide prevention strategy. By doing so, we can ensure that those on the frontlines and everyday community and whānau members are equipped to make a real difference in their communities.
Further research examining the long-term effectiveness of LifeKeepers has also been submitted for publication and Le Va plans to launch a LifeKeepers for Pasifika programme in 2025.
Explore the research article: Evaluating the Impact and Cultural Relevance of LifeKeepers Gatekeeper Training Across Three Training Modalities
On 30 October 2024, the Chief Coroner released the latest annual provisional suicide statistics for Aotearoa.
These figures play a vital role in shaping and guiding suicide prevention efforts across the motu, supporting the work of organisations like Le Va that are dedicated to saving lives.
The data shows that, overall, there has been no change in the rate of suicide. In the financial year to 30 June 2024, 617 people died by suspected suicide and the rate was 11.2 people per 100,000.
Le Va chief executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, said, “While understanding these statistics and monitoring any changes is important to our suicide prevention efforts, we must not lose sight of our people behind the numbers – those who have died by suicide and the individuals, family members, whānau, friends and communities who have tragically lost their loved ones.”
In 2023, Aotearoa witnessed a significant and encouraging decline in the provisional suicide rate among Pacific people, dropping from 9.2 to 5.1 per 100,000 people while this year, there has been a slight increase to 7.7 per 100,000 people.
Community-focused solutions
At Le Va, we believe the solutions to preventing suicide are found within our communities. On 25 October 2024, Le Va held a community fono (meeting), ensuring a safe space for communities to provide insights and recommendations on the government’s draft suicide prevention action plan for 2025-2029.
With more than 20 community members actively contributing, the fono was a successful collaborative event. Co-facilitated by Le Va’s senior managers for suicide prevention – Leilani Clarke and Tiana Watkins – the gathering encouraged open, bold discussions, bringing a grassroots perspective to both health-led and cross-government actions to suicide prevention in Aotearoa.
Feedback from the fono was that in Aotearoa we need to focus on prevention and make sure the voices of those with lived experience are heard. Our communities said that addressing factors like poverty, family violence and mental health is a form of suicide prevention, and we should prioritise support for the people, families, whānau and communities who have experienced suicide.
Suicide prevention training
Le Va has two groundbreaking national suicide prevention training programmes:
LifeKeepers – New Zealand’s national suicide prevention training programme – has trained more than 18,000 everyday people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide. These are ordinary people playing their part in the prevention of suicide.
FLO: Pasifika for Life is Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika suicide prevention training, designed to engage and empower Pasifika communities to prevent suicide by enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors associated to suicide.
These programmes, grounded in evidence and culturally responsive methods, ensure clinically safe, community-driven interventions.
Suicide prevention resources
Recently Le Va launched a new digital resource – ‘After a suicide attempt’ – providing critical guidance for those supporting individuals post-attempt. This resource is freely accessible and aims to bolster support systems during vulnerable recovery periods. Our resource can be downloaded from the Le Va website.
Le Va remains committed to supporting our Pasifika and Māori communities to find their own solutions to suicide, through initiatives such as our Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund, referrals to Te Rau Ora Māori Suicide Prevention Community Fund, and Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori.
We will continue to work collaboratively with our communities and other agencies in the suicide prevention sector to help reduce the rates for Pasifika, and for Māori who are still overrepresented in these statistics.
Our approach of enhancing protective factors and mitigating risk factors can foster resilience and lead to improved wellbeing to help prevent suicide. Through our collective efforts we hope to see a reduction in suicide rates for all people of Aotearoa.
For more than ten years, Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund has supported community groups to find their own innovative solutions to preventing suicide.
This year, following a robust application and evaluation process, Le Va has distributed nearly $900,000 across 11 community groups who will develop and deliver their initiatives through to the end of October 2025.
Funded by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, the fund aims to support Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide by enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors associated with suicide.
Although the provisional suicide rate for Pacific people showed a significant reduction in 2023, still too many Pasifika families are affected by the loss of a loved one from suicide.
The Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund prioritises groups who are known to be at higher risk of suicidal distress, including men, youth, Rainbow and rural communities, and people who have lived experience of suicidal behaviour.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager for Pacific suicide prevention, said, “Every year we receive an extremely high calibre of applications from our Pasifika communities, and this year was no exception.
“Grassroots local initiatives like these play such an important role in helping families, whānau and communities to build resilience and work collectively to reduce the risk of suicide.”
Congratulations to our 2024 Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund recipients:
- Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust
- Moana Vā
- New Zealand Rugby League
- ONE NZ Warriors
- Outline Aotearoa
- PHAB Pasifika
- Potplants Studios
- Sisters United
- Tongan Society South Canterbury
- Without Limits Learning
- Zeal
Learn more about Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
Tiana Watkins, senior manager for suicide prevention at Le Va, opened day two of the 2024 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference with her inspiring keynote speech – ‘Empowering communities: LifeKeepers’ culturally responsive approach to suicide prevention in Aotearoa.’
LifeKeepers is Le Va’s national suicide prevention training programme, crafted with deep cultural respect and understanding for the unique needs of local communities.
At its core, LifeKeepers is a holistic kaupapa that blends internationally validated practices with rich local knowledge and cultural insights.
This fusion ensures the programme is clinically sound and closely attuned to the cultural and community contexts of Aotearoa.
Mana Akiaki – LifeKeepers for Māori is a version of LifeKeepers that weaves te reo me ōna tikanga Māori throughout, empowering whānau to build the courage and confidence to prevent suicide.
During her session, Tiana (Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Ranginui and Kai Tahu) explored how LifeKeepers empowers key community members – from youth workers and Māori wardens, to sports coaches and caregivers – with the skills to recognise, respond to and support those at risk of suicide.
She shared how LifeKeepers fosters Communities of C.A.R.E. (Connect, Ask, Respond, Engage), creating safer, stronger communities by integrating culture and tradition into suicide prevention strategies.
Attendees agreed it was a powerful session that highlighted the importance of uplifting Indigenous voices and creating lasting change.
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference celebrates Indigenous community, culture and identity to help advance social and emotional wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
Learn more about our LifeKeepers programme.
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. LifeKeepersrecognises 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.
As a recipient of Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund, BOP Youth Development Trust believes that by investing in the youth of today, we are shaping our community for a better tomorrow.
The Trust used their funding to create Aiga – a youth development programme that empowers young Pasifika people to discover their strengths, connect with their cultures and meet life’s challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.
Delivered by fitness experts, a registered psychologist and leaders from the Pasifika community, Aiga participants take part in workshops focusing on mental wellbeing, resilience, breathwork and Pacific cultures, culminating in a Fiafia night at the end of the term.
Aiga has consistently received excellent feedback from participants and school staff members:
“The programme has been incredible for our Pasifika students. Our students who attend the programme come together with Pasifika students from other local schools to participate in circuit training, networking, and learning how to apply Te Whare Tapa Whā model to their own lives. It’s so important to have a programme like this that encourages self-determination for our developing Pasifika students.”
The phrase ‘aiga’ comes from the Samoan language, referring to the extended family and community network who play a central role in Samoan culture. In 2023, the programme was extended to Pasifika student leaders.
One participant said: “It’s so cool, because you get to learn different fitness exercises and techniques. It is also a safe space where no one judges you. Everyone is accepted, just as they are.”
Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund was established in partnership with Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora with the purpose of enabling community groups to find their own solutions to help prevent and respond to suicide.
Applications for the latest round of Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund close on 31 July at 4.30pm.
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Learn more about the AIGA programme and Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.
Le Va has a longstanding close relationship with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) and One NZ Warriors, sporting organisations with a real commitment to the wellbeing of their teams, staff, families and communities.
On 10 April, Le Va’s FLO: Pasifika for Life team delivered a FLO Talanoa suicide prevention workshop to participants from the New Lynn Stags, Pt Chevalier Pirates, Auckland Rugby League, and Mt Roskill Evangelical Fellowship.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager – suicide prevention Pacific, thanked the workshop attendees for their involvement and openness to learn about suicide prevention.
One participant said of the workshop, “It was very eye opening, I felt that suicide was a taboo topic to talk to peers about. I am very grateful for some of the practical ways we learned about handling the topic of suicide.”
Recording the ‘Find Your Front’ podcast
Also in April, the FLO team went behind the scenes of NZRL’s ‘Find Your Front’ podcast – an online platform for sharing stories from past and present athletes, how they overcame challenges and the importance of looking after their wellbeing.
The guest of the yet-to-be-aired episode was Anthony Gelling, an international rugby league player of Cook Islands descent, who spoke about the power of resilience in dealing with challenges in his career.
For Le Va and the FLO team, having the support of wellbeing champions like Anthony, the Warriors and NZRL is vital in the important work we do in the field of suicide prevention for Pacific communities.
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To learn more about how we equip Pasifika families and communities to prevent suicide, visit our FLO Knowledge bank.
Hosted by Nevertheless Trust, Manioro 2024 brought together people from the Takatāpui, Pasifika Rainbow+, MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities with the aim of disrupting toxic narratives and stereotypes surrounding those communities.
Le Va was a sponsor of the event and our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention team were proud to support Manioro, enhancing our efforts to provide lifelines for our Rainbow+ communities.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s senior manager suicide prevention Pacific, said, “Manioro 2024 served as a vehicle of hope, inclusivity and love for our Pasifika MVPFAFF+ community members, aiga and friends.
“It provided a space to grow, learn and share through education, creative arts and celebration of self. The theme of ‘Love us the same, hold us the same’ spoke volumes.”
Festival attendees engaged in authentic dialogue and storytelling to challenge harmful narratives, highlighting the importance of family support, meaningful talanoa (conversation), creative arts, fashion, and cultural expression in breaking down stereotypes.
Over three days, whānau, including communities, organisations and churches, enjoyed enriching education, inspiration from guest speakers and mana enhancing stories.
Our FLO: Pasifika for Life team and Rainbow+ staff at Le Va gained invaluable insights, affirming our responsibility to be strong allies and create positive change so our diverse communities can flourish.
Visit our FLO knowledge bank to learn more about our FLO: Pasifika for Life suicide prevention programme.
The World Health Organisation estimates that, globally, more than 703,000 people die due to suicide each year. For every tragic death there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation.
Organisations like Le Va and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) are dedicated to preventing suicide and alleviating its devastating impacts on families and communities.
Over two days, researchers in the suicide prevention and post-vention space came together to share their expertise. Speakers from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world shared their insights on a broad range of topics, from artificial intelligence to indigenous approaches to suicide prevention research.
Leilani Clarke, Le Va’s Senior Manager Suicide Prevention – Pacific, said of the event, “Partnering with our communities, those with lived experience, NGOs and government organisations is essential in the field of suicide prevention research. They provide context and insight into interpreting the results and can then implement the findings into policy, practice and education.”
Le Va takes a holistic view of wellbeing, and our evidence-based work is co-created with people who have lived experience, are Pasifika cultural knowledge holders and thought leaders nationally and internationally.
We have developed two highly regarded national programmes that are designed to equip individuals, families and communities to prevent suicide. FLO: Pasifika for Life is Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika suicide prevention programme and LifeKeepers is the national suicide prevention programme designed for all New Zealanders.
IASP leads the global role in suicide prevention by strategically developing a forum that creates strong collaborative partnerships and promotes evidence-based action to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviour.
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Learn more about Le Va’s suicide prevention programmes.
Pacific people in Aotearoa have seen a statistically significant reduction in the annual provisional suicide rate, as reported by the Office of the Chief Coroner yesterday.
The provisional rate for Pacific populations is now 5.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 9.2 per 100,000 people last year.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said, “Our hearts go out to those who have experienced the death of a loved one from suicide. These statistics represent the tragic loss of beautiful lives, with a devastating impact on grieving whānau and friends.”
“We also acknowledge the individuals, families and communities who are working tirelessly to create a sense of hope in our communities. Preventing suicide requires holistic and collective efforts, and a willingness to take positive action.”
Le Va delivers two national suicide prevention programmes – FLO: Pasifika for Life for Pasifika communities and LifeKeepers, a programme for all New Zealanders that has trained nearly 15,000 people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide.
Denise said, “Le Va takes an evidence-based approach to suicide prevention, ensuring our programmes and resources are clinically safe and culturally responsive. Our strategy is to inform and equip our communities with the tools and skills they need to find their own solutions to suicide.
“We know that enhancing protective factors and mitigating for risk factors can foster resilience and lead to a great reduction in harm.”
Preventing suicide is complex and requires a well-funded and collaborative approach. Le Va calls on the New Zealand government to significantly increase its investment in the Suicide Prevention Office – an important vehicle for the coordination of initiatives aimed at reducing suicide.
“While it is encouraging to note that the suicide rate for Pacific populations has seen a statistically significant reduction, we are mindful that our numbers of deaths by suicide are low and open to fluctuation,” Denise said.
“There is still more work to be done to reduce the rates for Māori, who continue to be disproportionately negatively affected. We are dedicated to continuing our mahi in the hope of seeing future suicide rates in decline for all people in Aotearoa.”
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