Description

The Eddie Harawira Whānau Trust project is underpinned by the belief that the whānau is the engine room of iwi development (Kruger, 2010). Through whakapapa (genealogy) the whānau (family) is committed to vulnerable and suffering whānau members for life, which means whānau offer the most untapped potential for Māori suicide prevention (Turia, 2012; Lawson-Te Aho, 2012). The project is also underpinned by the belief that kōrero in suicide prevention, intervention, and post-vention is im-portant. Peer support groups, as well as inter- generational support mechanisms, have already proven effective. Te Taha Wairua is a critical component that must be addressed in Māori suicide, as is a fuller understanding of the application of mātauranga Māori.

The Kiwai Rangahau, Te Rau Matatini research and evaluation team was commissioned to undertake a review of the Waka Hourua community initiatives. The focus of this review therefore was to assess and to determine how the Eddie Harawira Whānau Trust implementation aligns to the overall intent, and design of the programme and what actually happened during its implementation (how much, how well, and is anybody better off).

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