Youth suicide: a Ngati Porou woman's perspective

Abstract

Concern has intensified over the escalating figures of youth suicide in New Zealand. Despite extensive research over many years, youth suicide in the nineties remains both a tragic and unexplained phenomenon. This perspective from a bi-cultural Ngati Porou woman's position seeks to understand the traditional and modern day rationale of people taking their life. Selected Ngati Porou beliefs on youth suicide are compared to Western theories to explore the similarities and differences between the two cultures with regard to the meaning of suicide. The theories provide a perspective on the studies of six young people who have either attempted suicide or who died through committing suicide. This study identifies key issues associated with youth suicide. The findings of this study, the conclusions of The Canterbury Suicide project, and the Wainuiomata Community worker's 'New Zealand Youth Self-harm hui - Youth Yagottawanna Get a Life' are used in an evaluation and assessment of recommendations to help lower our youth suicide predicament.