April 08, 2024
Suicide Office cuts will have wide impact
The former director of the Suicide Prevention Office says public sector cuts are brutal but they should be seen as an opportunity for adaptation and innovation.
The Ministry of Health is cutting 134 jobs to meet Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ demand for a 6.5 percent cut, with the suicide prevention office being one of those losing staff and functions.
Matthew Tukaki says the people being affected are not necessarily Wellington bureaucrats but people with a mission.
“The vast majority of staff under my watch were not based in Wellington, but based around the country and exceptional, amazing people. And I will also say that the people in the mental health and addictions area more generally whether they work for the Ministry of Health, or work for community-based organisations, not for profits and NGOs, hey get up every single day to ensure that they do what we all expect them to do in a tough environment – save people’s lives,” he says.
Māori have the higher suicide rates compared to non-Māori in Aotearoa, with Māori tending to be highest for males, and those living in more deprived areas.