At Hui Fono 2019, Sir Mason Durie presented 10 key priorities for supporting people in tough times by using the acronym Waka Hourua. The agenda was proposed to add to the current knowledge about suicide prevention and to bring together priorities for all those people working in communities, and as front line workers to contribute to wellbeing at the community level and in the process address many of the determinants of suicide.
The 10 priorities are described as four ‘short distance’ interventions, directed towards individuals and whānau. The other six priorities are ‘long distance’ interventions intended to build resilience and promote wellness.
Whanaungatanga – trusted relationships
Aukati taniwha – beating the demons
Kake wairua – lifting the spirit
Ahi kā – staying connected to past & future
Hāpori kotahitanga – community collectivity
Oranga whānau – family wellbeing and resilience
Urunga porihanga – full participation in society
Rautaki whakaora – equitable strategies & policies
Umanga ngaio – our collective expertise
Aranga mai – standing with pride and confidence