News article
The Suicide Prevention Office has welcomed Dr Hinemoa Elder as the new Chair of its Māori Expert Reference Panel.
The Māori Expert Reference Panel provides the Suicide Prevention Office with strategic advice, support and guidance on matters relating to Māori suicide prevention and implementation of New Zealand’s suicide prevention strategy, He Tapu te Oranga o ia tangata.
Director of the Suicide Prevention Office, Carla na Nagara, said Dr Elder’s skills and experience brought valuable insights to the panel.
“Dr Elder is well known for her work in the fields of child, adolescent and youth forensic psychiatry, indigenous research, and tikanga Māori approaches to brain injury,” Carla na Nagara said.
“Hinemoa brings invaluable insight and experience to this important role, and I am delighted to welcome her to the panel.”
The rate of deaths by suicide for Māori are almost three times higher than the general population, with Māori youth being particularly at risk.
“Using the same approach for everyone does not work, and we need to understand how the Suicide Prevention Office can effectively support Māori-designed, Māori-led approaches to reduce these devastating statistics,” Carla na Nagara said.
Dr Hinemoa Elder said she was thrilled to be joining the national efforts on this important mahi.
“The levels of suicidal despair in our communities are an emergency. Especially for our rangatahi. Bringing together all our own learnings of what works to prevent suicide is vital for action.”
Dr Hinemoa Elder takes over the role of Chair from Sir Mason Durie, who stepped down towards the end of 2020.
“I am honoured to be following on from Sir Mason Durie, whose leadership in mental health and involvement in the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction has provided immense value to reforming how we care for New Zealanders.”
The Māori Expert Reference Panel provides the Suicide Prevention Office with strategic advice, support and guidance on matters relating to Māori suicide prevention and implementation of New Zealand’s suicide prevention strategy, He Tapu te Oranga o ia tangata.