Oral Presentation National Suicide Prevention Conference 2026

Aoake te Rā is a government funded, nationwide service in Aotearoa New Zealand that supports people impacted by suicide loss. The service provides therapeutic support to help individuals navigate the devastating and unique grief that can follow a death by suicide. Aoake te Rā is part of a suite of services offered by Te Aho.

From development through to delivery, Aoake te Rā has been grounded in a co-design approach, working to weave together three key strands of knowledge and experience:

• Lived experience – the voices and wisdom of people directly affected by suicide
• Indigenous knowledge (Mātauranga Māori) – Māori worldviews, cultural values, and practices
• Clinical expertise – evidence-based practice and professional guidance

Integrating these strands of knowledge has created a service model that is impactful, evolving, and committed to being accessible, acceptable, and effective for all. This presentation will explore how this woven approach is embedded across the service — including ongoing community engagement, responsive access pathways, workforce development, and service delivery. Presenters will reflect on the challenges and learnings that have shaped, and continue to shape, the service.

Evaluation findings and stakeholder feedback will be shared, highlighting:

1. Significant positive impact for those accessing support
2. Positive impacts across diverse communities
3. The development of a strong and connected provider network
4. How both those delivering and those receiving the service draw strength from the diverse knowledges and voices that underpin it

These findings demonstrate how weaving different forms of knowledge strengthens the service model and enhances outcomes for all.