2022 C.A.R.E. Heroes
The LifeKeepers Awards recognise the often unacknowledged commitment of individuals and organisations whose compassion, courage, and perseverance make a vital contribution to suicide prevention. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, creating communities of C.A.R.E. where they Connect with compassion, Ask with courage, Respond with confidence, and Engage with the right support.
We are honoured to share the eight recipients of the 2022 LifeKeepers Awards, each nominated by Suicide Prevention Coordinators from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
To honour the mana each recipient holds in their space, we have chosen to retain their own words as they share their journeys in suicide prevention and community wellbeing.
Benjamin Tawhara
Nominated by Northland
“My name is Benjamin Tawhara, and I come from a small settlement on the Hokianga River called Motukiore.
I am passionate about this line of work due to losing my oldest brother to suicide, which hit our family quite hard. Recently I lost a close relative of mine, he was raised with Māori culture, language, and values. His death shook the community, and I vowed not to bury any more of my ‘brothers’.
The highlights for me through our kaupapa Tamatū / Hinetū is that through the four intakes we’ve had a total of 50+ men. At least 20 are still active and living positive, healthy lifestyles, not only for themselves but for their whānau. What stands out most is that they are now influencing their sons to live the same way. That’s powerful — I call them agents of change”.
Bronnie Coory
Nominated by Hawke’s Bay
“Ko Bronnie Coory tōku ingoa.
I am privileged to be a founding member and programme coordinator for Mates4Life Hawke’s Bay, a free Suicide Awareness and Prevention programme delivered to workplaces and organisations across the region.
While working for a large local employer, we saw that by giving our people the courage and tools to ask someone ‘Are you okay?’ and not accept ‘I’m fine’ as an answer, that they could sit alongside their workmates, listen, and connect them with the support they needed.
By engaging workplaces, we aim to create a suicide-aware community. When people learn these skills at work, they carry them into their whānau and communities. It’s about empowering everyday people to look out for one another.”
Edith Rolls
Nominated by Wairarapa
“Born and bred in the Wairarapa, I walk alongside any whānau who engage in my professional or personal services.
I became involved in prevention–intervention–postvention kōrero because I saw a lack of support from local agencies, and I heard the karanga – the call – from whānau to be heard, to heal, and to be supported.
I believe reconnecting tāngata whaiora (those seeking help) to their whānau, whether that means family, workmates, sports teams, or friends is a key part of oranga (wellbeing).”
Kerry Hirini
Nominated by Tairāwhiti
“Moko Tū Rongo began in 2016. In 2018, my whānau and I attended a Moko Tū Rongo wānanga in Kaiti, Gisborne, and soon after became pou in the whare mauri, romiromi, toi Māori, and ta moko spaces.
We established a charitable trust in 2019 and now deliver six to eight three-day wānanga a year, applying taonga Māori such as ta moko, romiromi, mirimiri, rongoā, and toi Māori to help whānau heal from loss, grief, and trauma.
Moko Tū Rongo is for whānau and led by whānau. Our moemoeā (vision) is to teach and pass on this mātauranga Māori so every whānau can share it within their own communities, building resilience, identity, and champions for wellbeing.”
Melissa Moore
Nominated by Counties Manukau
Melissa is the Director and founder of The Pride Project, a grassroots charitable trust in Clendon.
Her team of Hope Navigators, local people with lived experience, walk alongside the community, holding hope until individuals can hold it themselves. Their mahi eases stress, helps whānau navigate social systems, and restores dignity.
“This description doesn’t do justice to the incredible work Mel and the Hope Navigators do for the Clendon community.” – Nomination statement
Nicola Peeperkoorn
Nominated by Waitematā
“I was a founding member and co-chair of the Lived Experience Advisory Council, working with the Waitematā Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Services to embed lived experience in service design and quality improvement.
I’m a member of the Suicide Prevention and Postvention Governance Group for Auckland and Waitematā, and I also edit the Solace suicide bereavement support newsletter.
Using my background in film production, I’m now developing video content that promotes mental health, neurodiversity, and wellbeing, telling positive stories to strengthen our communities.
Working alongside so many dedicated people gives me hope for a future where fewer families face the same loss my own has”.
Robyn Morris
Nominated by Southland
“I’m Robyn Morris, Manager of the Community Networking Trust, a not-for-profit organisation in Gore providing social services, community development, and shared spaces for local agencies.
I was asked by WellSouth to take on the voluntary Postvention Chair role for Eastern Southland, with full support from my organisation. It aligns with our mission to strengthen local coordination and care.
The most valuable part of this mahi is knowing how connected and caring our community is. We’ve built strong, respectful relationships so that when someone is in need, there’s always someone ready to help.”
Shelley Brunskill-Matson
Nominated by Wairarapa
Shelley works and volunteers across suicide prevention and postvention spaces nationwide. She provides bereavement training for Victim Support staff and volunteers, developed TrackSAFE NZ’s Rail Suicide Prevention Strategy, and facilitates Waves, a psychoeducational programme for adults bereaved by suicide.
She also co-facilitates Wellington’s only suicide-loss peer support group, creating a safe and understanding space for those navigating grief. Shelley’s leadership is marked by empathy, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to those affected by suicide.
About the Awards
Communities play a vital role in suicide prevention, and each year the LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes Awards celebrate the people who live that truth – those who act with compassion, courage, and commitment to strengthen others.
Every recipient represents a unique story of resilience, leadership, and hope. Together, they remind us that suicide prevention is not only a clinical or policy matter, it’s about people caring for people, one connection at a time.
