Waka Hourua, Ko Au, Ko Koe, Ko Tātou Māori Suicide Prevention Community Programme

In 2014, the first dedicated National Māori Suicide Prevention Programme: Waka Hourua was launched by Te Rau Matatini. One of its five streams was the operation of a National Coordination Centre for Māori Community Suicide Prevention. The major programme championed by the Centre included fostering Māori leadership, and building their capacity and capability to lead the development of whole of community plans. In drawing on what differentiates Waka Hourua from other programmes, it is the distinction of being privileged to work as informed insiders to Māori communities. This article provides an account of the Ko Au, Ko Koe, Ko Tātou Māori Suicide Prevention Community Programme and Māori Champions working in communities - the Pou Ārahi role