2021 C.A.R.E. Heroes

Te Arani Daniels & Caroline Daniels:  Tū Kaha ki te Ao

Nominated by Northland DHB

Sisters, cultural leaders, and highly respected mental health nurses, Te Arani and Caroline guide Tū Kaha ki te Ao, a whānau-based kaupapa grounded in whanaungatanga, whenua, and wairua.  Their suicide prevention wānanga in the Pipiwai Valley weave te ao Māori and indigenous practice, from preparing hīnaki to kōrero on whakapapa protection, removing barriers to participation (including on-site childcare) and building skills, goals, and resilience across whānau and hapū.

Toni-Anne Matara & Dallas Faull:  Ember Korowai Takitini

Nominated by Counties Manukau DHB

Within their professional roles and far beyond them, Toni-Anne and Dallas have rallied local rugby clubs to create safe spaces for kōrero, on the field, in clubrooms, even in carparks.  Mentoring rangatahi Māori and equipping staff and players with practical tools, their grassroots approach is spreading into wider community settings, including farming communities. Locals supporting locals – compassion in action.

“He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” – It is people.

Mataku-Ariki de Roo:  Patua te Taniwha Charitable Trust

Nominated by Lakes DHB

A founder and chair of this kaupapa Māori rōpū, Mataku helps deliver community events across Kawerau, Rotorua, and Murupara: Ride for Life motorcycle haerenga, drop-in groups and hikoi (including rangatahi-specific spaces), and Waiata in the Pā – large gatherings that combine music, kai, connection, and access to local services.  Relentless, practical aroha for whānau affected by suicide.

“Mā te kotahitanga e whai kaha ai tātau.” – In unity, we have strength.

Tuta Ngarimu (on behalf of Nati4Life):  Nati4Life

Nominated by Tairāwhiti DHB

Born from loss, Nati4Life ensures others do not face mamae alone.  Their annual Lean On Me concert brings communities together for music, kai, and honest kōrero from those moving through grief toward healing, with services on hand to connect people to support.  Behind the scenes they fundraise, amplify community voices, and back local initiatives, keeping whānau at the centre.

Stacy Apiata:  Ko Wai Tōu Ingoa Hauora

Nominated by Hawke’s Bay DHB

Of Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent, Stacy stands alongside whānau bereaved by suicide, ensuring support is timely, practical, and genuinely caring.  Through his charitable trust he provides kai parcels, community dinners, rangatahi tautoko, and kaumātua outings, restoring wairua and connection.  A humble hero whose mahi begins with a simple line: “I talk with people.”

Carole Koha

Nominated by Capital & Coast DHB

For three decades Carole has worked across kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services, from clinical roles to building iwi-led solutions.  A steadfast voice for Māori and rangatahi within regional suicide prevention and postvention governance, she has pushed systems toward equity, dignity, and outcomes that reflect tangata motuhake and their whānau. Tireless advocacy, measurable impact.

Nominated by Hutt Valley DHB

Bridging professional expertise and lived experience, Peter has championed consumer leadership nationally and locally – shaping governance, policy, and service design so the voices of those affected by suicide are heard.  His influence has helped shift thinking beyond a purely medical frame toward community-led support and solutions that empower people and build collective capability.

Jo Lane (on behalf of Marlborough Youth Centre):  Marlborough Youth Centre

Nominated by Nelson Marlborough DHB

A safe hub for youth in Blenheim, the Centre offers programmes, events, and a welcoming drop-in space that prioritises trust and small moments of care.  From crisis support to youth hui, the team ensures taiohi are seen, heard, and connected, including those impacted by suicide.  It takes a village; they help organise it.

Elly Mulholland (on behalf of Ngāti Waewae Rangatahi Komiti):  Ngāti Waewae Rangatahi Komiti

Nominated by West Coast DHB

At Arahura Marae the Komiti led Tiaki Rangatahi, Tiaki Ora, a wānanga focused on wellness and suicide prevention through Te Whare Tapa Whā and mātauranga Māori.  By strengthening cultural identity, relationships, and support networks on Te Tai Poutini, they showed what rangatahi-led leadership looks like: grounded, connected, and future-focused.

Jodie Mitchell

Nominated by Southern DHB

At Comcol Otago, Jodie supports young people reconnecting with education and community, while also chairing the Dunedin Postvention Suicide Community Group.  From immediate responses after a death to steady, local coordination that reduces ripple effects, Jodie’s mix of practical action and deep care shows young people they matter and belong.

Clare Simcock:  Suicide Prevention & Postvention Coordinator, Waikato DHB

Across a geographically diverse region, Clare’s long-standing commitment, relationships, and kindness have strengthened coordinated responses and support for communities impacted by suicide.

Roger Shave:  Clinical Advisory Services Aotearoa (CASA)

A clinical psychologist with twelve years in suicide prevention, Roger helped establish the first regional postvention group, led the Coronial Suspected Suicide Data Sharing Service (CDS), co-developed key tools and resources, and served on the expert advisory group that shaped LifeKeepers and the LifeKeepers Awards.