2024 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.
C.A.R.E. stands for: Connect with compassion, Ask with courage, Respond with confidence, and Engage with the right support.
We are honoured to share the five recipients of the 2024 LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes Awards, each acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to suicide prevention and community wellbeing across Aotearoa.
Gemma Turner
Capital & Coast / Hutt Valley
Gemma Turner’s journey into mental health and wellbeing began in 2022, a year marked by significant change and struggle as she transitioned to a new school.
The intense anxiety and depression she experienced during that time made everyday life difficult. After six challenging months, Gemma discovered the power of practical mental health tools and worksheets, which became central to her own healing process.
Inspired by her experience, she created a diary integrating these tools, designed to help others facing similar challenges. Her mission is to provide a resource that empowers people to manage their inner worlds and find their path toward healing.
Gemma’s initiative reflects courage, empathy, and the belief that lived experience can light the way for others.
Poutiri Trust
Te Moana-nui-ā-Toitehuatahi – Bay of Plenty
Poutiri Wellness Centre in Te Puke proudly serves as a Kia Piki te Ora provider, working alongside Te Ika Whenua and Te Awanui Hauora under the regional leadership of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao. Their holistic approach values all dimensions of hauoranga, fostering healthier and more resilient Waiariki communities.
Poutiri Trust has actively embraced Mana Akiaki: LifeKeepers for Māori, ensuring as many whānau as possible receive suicide prevention training across Ōpōtiki, Te Puke, Murupara, and Matakana Island.
To promote resilience and connection through sport, Poutiri Trust is hosting a netball tournament themed “Tomorrow Needs You” – an event driven by rangatahi voices and focused on encouraging kōrero about suicide prevention, connection, and hope.
This kaupapa ensures young people know they are not alone, and that whānau and communities know where to turn for support.
LifeKeepers is proud to work in partnership with Poutiri Trust to prevent suicide and strengthen wellbeing across the Bay of Plenty
Quack Pirihi
Tāmaki Makaurau
Quack Pirihi (they/them) is a proud taiohi Māori and the founder of Mana Āniwaniwa, a transformative kaupapa established in 2023 to prevent suicide within Takatāpui and Queer communities. Through inclusive wānanga and community events, Quack uplifts and empowers whānau to embrace their mana motuhake and restore tino rangatiratanga.
Their advocacy extends beyond Aotearoa, including participation with Greenpeace Aotearoa in Jamaica to protest deep-sea mining, showing their commitment to protecting both people and planet.
Quack’s leadership blends activism, aroha, and cultural restoration, creating safer spaces for Takatāpui and Queer whānau to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Mauri ora to you, Quack — for your unwavering commitment and heartfelt mahi that continues to strengthen our communities
Raniera Pene
Tāmaki Makaurau
Raniera Pene is a passionate advocate for the social and economic advancement of Māori communities. His mahi is grounded in creating opportunities that uplift individuals and whānau, supporting them to shape their own futures and realise their potential.
Raniera’s approach is deeply rooted in the principles of Rangatiratanga (chieftainship) and Mana Motuhake (self-determination). He inspires whānau to define success on their own terms, to lead with pride, and to build pathways to collective prosperity.
Through his leadership, Raniera continues to nurture cultural confidence, connection, and meaningful progress, helping Māori communities thrive and lead on their own terms.
Ruku I’Anson
Waikato
Ruku I’Anson has lived in the mighty Waikato for over forty years, where she dedicates her time to supporting people in crisis through her role on a mental health helpline.
After three years working on the frontline, Ruku remains driven by one guiding belief – that when someone in distress feels heard and validated, they are empowered to stay safe. Her empathy and optimism shine through every shift.
Ruku recognises that in a world where many live far from their whānau, isolation can deepen when people need help most. Through her work, she bridges that gap, connecting compassionately with those in need and ensuring no one feels alone.
Every call matters. Some days, you truly help save a life
About the Awards
The LifeKeepers C.A.R.E. Heroes Awards celebrate the people and organisations across Aotearoa who bring the LifeKeepers values to life — those who Connect with compassion, Ask with courage, Respond with confidence, and Engage with the right support.
Each recipient’s story reminds us that suicide prevention is not just professional work — it is human work, grounded in empathy, connection, and collective care. Together, these C.A.R.E. Heroes embody the spirit of LifeKeepers and the shared vision of a safer, more connected Aotearoa.
