2017 C.A.R.E. Heroes
2017 marked a milestone moment, the launch of LifeKeepers, Aotearoa New Zealand’s own national suicide prevention training programme, and the very first LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes Awards.
These inaugural awards were created to honour the often unsung heroes across the motu, individuals and organisations whose compassion, perseverance, and commitment make a life-changing difference in suicide prevention. They represent what LifeKeepers stands for: everyday people doing extraordinary things to create communities of C.A.R.E. — Connection with compassion, Asking with courage, Responding with confidence, and Engaging with the right support.
We are proud to introduce the 14 recipients of the 2017 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes Awards, nominated by Suicide Prevention Coordinators from across Aotearoa. Each of these remarkable people reflects the spirit of LifeKeepers: courageous, community-minded, and dedicated to saving lives.
Inaugural LifeKeepers Supreme Award
From left to right: Sir Mason Durie, Le Va former Chief Executive Monique Faleafa, LifeKeepers Supreme Award Winner Zack Makoare, and LifeKeepers Ambassador Dr Lance O’Sullivan
Zack Makoare – Te Taitimu Trust, Hawke’s Bay
Congratulations to Zack Makoare, recipient of the inaugural National LifeKeepers Supreme Award, for his leadership and lifelong dedication to youth and whānau wellbeing in the Hawke’s Bay region.
As founder and chief executive of Te Taitimu Trust, Zack (alongside his wife Gina) has turned personal loss into purpose, dedicating his life to preventing suicide among rangatahi Māori. Through wānanga, camps, and leadership programmes, the trust empowers hundreds of young people each year to build resilience, connection, and self-belief.
Zack is described as unashamed, selfless, and deeply driven to help others, embodying the values of LifeKeepers and the kaupapa of C.A.R.E.
2017 C.A.R.E. Heroes
Christine Macfarlane: Counsellor and facilitator, Mindful Me, Timaru
Jennie Jones: Postvention Coordinator, Hutt Valley DHB
Joseph Fa’afiu: Founder, HopeWalk Suicide Prevention Trust, South Auckland
Lovey Ratima-Rapson: Manager, Hauora Team, He Waka Tapu, Christchurch
Leigh Murray: Family Advisor, Auckland DHB
Moki Kiwa Whareaitu: Kaiurungi Navigator, Kia Piki Te Kaha Suicide Prevention Navigation Service, Palmerston North
Paul Hampton: Senior Constable, South Canterbury Police
Susan Westbrook: Social Development Manager, Ngāti Tahu–Ngāti Whaoa Rūnanga Trust, Reporoa
Marcia Paurini: Coordinator, Rural Support Taranaki
Rebecca Hooker: Kaiawhina and Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Ngāti Hine Health Trust, Whangārei
Toni Ryan: Youth Advocate, Wairarapa
Darrell Evans: Clinical Nurse Manager, Alcohol and Drug Service, South Canterbury
The Wellbeing Team: Te Awakairangi Health Network, Lower Hutt
Together, these inaugural award recipients set the standard for what LifeKeepers represents — courage, aroha, and a collective commitment to protecting life.
