2024 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes
The annual LifeKeepers Awards are centred around recognising the often heroic but unacknowledged commitment of individuals and organisations who persevere with efforts and work that makes a vital contribution to suicide prevention; these are ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things – creating communities of C.A.R.E to prevent suicide.
We are honoured to share with you the five, 2024 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes for 2024 for their contributions to suicide prevention.
Gemma Turner
Capital Coast and Hutt VAlley
Gemma Turner’s journey into mental health and well-being began in 2022, a year marked by significant change and struggle as she transitioned to a new school.
The intense anxiety and depression she experienced made it hard to cope. After six challenging months, Gemma discovered the profound effectiveness of mental health tools and worksheets, which became crucial to her healing process.
Inspired by her personal experience, she created a diary that integrates these tools, aiming to support others facing similar challenges.
Her mission is to provide a resource that helps individuals manage their inner turmoil and find their path to healing.
Poutiri Trust
Te Moana Nui ā Toitehuatahi - Bay of Plenty
Poutiri Wellness Centre (Te Puke) is privileged to serve as a Kia Piki te Ora provider, working alongside Te Ika Whenua and Te Awanui Hauora under the regional leadership of Te Runanga o Ngāti Pikiao. Their holistic approach values all elements of hauoranga, fostering healthier and more resilient Waiariki communities.
Poutiri Trust have actively pursued Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori, ensuring that as many whānau as possible are trained in suicide prevention, across Opotiki, Te Puke, Murupara and Matakana Island.
Additionally in an effort to promote resilience, hauoranga and community through sport, Poutiri is hosting a netball tournament in October with the theme being “TOMORROW NEEDS YOU”.
TOMORROW NEEDS YOU is driven locally and with the voice of rangatahi. It’s about providing a supportive space for rangatahi when they are feeling challenged by life, ensuring that they know they are not alone. This event will encourage kōrero about preventing suicide, ensuring that whānau know where they can go to access support if they are worried about themselves or somebody they care about.
LifeKeepers is proud to be working in partnership with Poutiri Trust to prevent suicide!
Quack Pirihi
Tāmaki Makaurau
Quack Pirihi (They/Them) is a dedicated taiohi Māori and founder of Mana Āniwaniwa, established in 2023, a transformative initiative focused on preventing and ending suicide within Takatāpui and Queer communities through wānanga that engage and uplift all whānau.
With a deep passion for empowering whānau to embrace their mana motuhake and restore tino rangatiratanga, Quack has become a powerful advocate for Pro-Māori initiatives and practices.
Their advocacy extends to global platforms, including their recent participation with Greenpeace Aotearoa in Jamaica to protest Deep Sea Mining.
We commend Quack for their unwavering commitment and heartfelt efforts in supporting the wellbeing and resilience of our communities. Mauri Ora!
Raniera Pene
Tāmaki Makaurau
Raniera Pene is a dedicated advocate for the social and economic advancement of Māori communities, committed to fostering opportunities that uplift and empower individuals and whānau. His work is deeply rooted in a passion for creating pathways to success, recognising the importance of supporting Māori to shape their own futures and realise their fullest potential.
He actively strives to inspire whānau to pursue and define their own vision of Rangatiratanga (chieftainship) and Mana Motuhake (self-determination), encouraging them to embrace and celebrate these vital principles.
Through his efforts, Raniera promotes a journey toward greater autonomy, cultural pride, and meaningful progress, helping to build a foundation where Māori communities can thrive, prosper, and lead on their own terms.
Ruku I'anson
Waikato
Ruku is a wife and mum who lives in the mighty Waikato where she has been for the past 40 years.
Following three years with a mental health crisis helpline, Ruku is inspired to continue providing crisis support for those in need. She believes that when you help someone who is in crisis, move to a space where they feel heard and validated, it means they are empowered to stay ‘safe’.
Ruku believes that mental health is an important issue with so many people living separate from other family members, and all over the world, that it can be isolating when we find we need the support of another.
She approaches each shift with the optimism that today she will help save a life, and from the feedback she receives, understands that on some days that is exactly what happens.
We acknowledge your heart and efforts Ruku! Tēnā koe!