Lay summary
In 2012, a wave of youth suicides in Northland featured too many of Ngatiwai descent; this is therefore a major public health issue. Ngatiwai Trust Board identified an urgent need for localised, hapu-based activities that deepen understanding of complex social and cultural factors leading to the high rate of self-destructive and suicidal behaviours. This project will focus on developing culturally-based strategies that respond effectively to specific needs and aspirations of our young people, reconnecting them to whenua, marae, kaumatua, thereby promoting vitality, enhancing their sense of belonging as uri of Ngatiwai. The project will use Kaupapa Ngatiwai Participatory Action Research and Taitamariki Development approaches. The three roopu projects within the larger project will use methods such as photovoice, haerenga kitea, or qualitative interviewing. Outcomes include research capacity/capability building for 45 Ngatiwai uri, literature adding to the body of research on these issues, and the strengthening of life pathways for Ngatiwai taitamariki.