Key Takeaways:
- The coroner’s inquest into the deaths of six rangatahi (young people) in Te Tai Tokerau, New Zealand, found that systemic barriers and lack of resources contributed to their deaths.
- The coroner recommended the creation of a co-ordinated care pathway, the introduction of a Kaiārahi (guide or mentor) role, and the collection of data on youth suicide.
- The inquest highlighted the need for improved collaboration between agencies, increased funding for mental health services, and better support for schools and whānau.
- Te Whatu Ora responded to the recommendations, acknowledging the importance of collaboration but stating that it had no additional funding to create new roles or services.
- The coroner rejected Te Whatu Ora’s claim that the Kaiārahi role was unworkable and urged the agency to implement the recommendations to prevent similar deaths from occurring.
Introduction to the Crisis in Te Tai Tokerau
The crisis of youth suicide in Te Tai Tokerau, New Zealand, is a long-standing issue that has been highlighted by the coroner’s inquest into the deaths of six rangatahi. The inquest found that the teens were failed by the services that were supposed to support them, and that systemic barriers and lack of resources contributed to their deaths. The coroner, Tania Tetitaha, acknowledged the importance of the inquiry, stating that it was a privilege to learn about the lives of the young people who had died, and that the inquiry was an opportunity to learn from their experiences and prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.
The Inquest Findings
The inquest revealed that the six rangatahi who died had all been struggling with various issues, including bullying, depression, anti-social behavior, socio-economic deprivation, family violence, abuse, and substance abuse. The coroner found that the teens had been living with some, if not all, of these risk factors, and that possible contagion was occurring, as all six knew of someone who had committed suicide or was self-harming. The inquest also highlighted the lack of data collection in Te Tai Tokerau targeting youth, and the need for improved collaboration between agencies to support rangatahi at risk of self-harm or suicide.
The Need for a Co-ordinated Care Pathway
The coroner recommended the creation of a co-ordinated care pathway for Te Tai Tokerau rangatahi who are at risk of self-harm or suicide, regardless of severity. This pathway would ensure continuity of care from entry to exit, and would be accessible to both rangatahi and their whānau. The coroner also recommended the introduction of a Kaiārahi role, which would act as a central liaison, sharing information across agencies under agreed protocols and ensuring continuity of care if the rangatahi moved to another area.
The Importance of Data Collection
The inquest highlighted the lack of data collection in Te Tai Tokerau targeting youth, and the need for improved data collection to inform regional and national strategies. The coroner recommended that the Ministry of Health fund an in-depth nationwide data collection project, noting suspected self-inflicted deaths among rangatahi aged 12 to 24, stressors, service access, and barriers faced. The coroner stressed that information is critical to understanding youth suicide and identifying opportunities for early intervention.
Resourcing Schools
The inquest found that schools were a crucial frontline in supporting rangatahi at risk of suicide, but that they were often under-resourced and under-funded. The coroner recommended that Te Whatu Ora extend Te Roopu Kimiora’s school liaison roles into secondary schools across Te Tai Tokerau, and that the Ministry of Education consider law reform to resolve the funding issue. The coroner also noted that schools were being forced to use operational budgets to cover school counselling services, and that this was unsustainable.
The Response from Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora responded to the recommendations, acknowledging the importance of collaboration but stating that it had no additional funding to create new roles or services. The agency argued that the proposed Kaiārahi role was unworkable under current conditions due to resource demands, privacy restrictions, and legislative limits. However, the coroner rejected Te Whatu Ora’s claim, stating that the role aligned with the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan and did not require extra funding.
Conclusion
The coroner’s inquest into the deaths of six rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau has highlighted the need for improved collaboration between agencies, increased funding for mental health services, and better support for schools and whānau. The coroner’s recommendations, including the creation of a co-ordinated care pathway, the introduction of a Kaiārahi role, and the collection of data on youth suicide, are critical to preventing similar deaths from occurring in the future. It is imperative that Te Whatu Ora and other agencies take the recommendations seriously and work to implement them, in order to support the wellbeing of rangatahi in Te Tai Tokerau and across New Zealand.
