Suicide prevention across the Pacific is under renewed scrutiny following a major international forum in Fiji, where researchers, health professionals and community leaders examined the urgent need for stronger, culturally grounded responses to suicide and mental distress.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) Asia Pacific Regional Forum was held from 14 to 16 September 2026 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi.
The three-day gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience to examine suicide prevention challenges across the region, particularly in Pacific Island communities where geographical isolation, workforce shortages and limited access to services can make early intervention difficult.
The discussions included the importance of Indigenous knowledge, community-led prevention, stronger regional partnerships and better systems for identifying people who need support.
A central concern was ensuring that suicide prevention programmes reflect the cultural realities of the communities they are designed to serve, rather than relying exclusively on conventional clinical approaches. <Cite refs={[“turn513559search1″,”turn513559search3”]}/>
Māori Suicide Figures Reinforce the Urgency
The international discussions come as Aotearoa continues to confront significant disparities in suicide deaths.
The latest figures for 2025/26 show 602 suspected suicide deaths across New Zealand, with Māori recording the highest rate at 15.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
That compares with 12.0 per 100,000 among European and Other New Zealanders, 5.9 among Pacific peoples and 3.2 among Asian New Zealanders.
The figures reinforce concerns about whether existing prevention programmes are reaching whānau early enough and whether culturally appropriate support is available when people need it.
Former Director of New Zealand’s Suicide Prevention Office Matthew Tukaki has previously highlighted the need to look beyond mental health services alone, recognising the roles of housing, employment, education, social connection and whānau wellbeing in preventing suicide.
For Māori, the continuing disparity also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing strategies, the availability of kaupapa Māori services and the need for greater investment in community-led approaches. <Cite refs={[“turn513559search0”]}/>
Pacific Communities Call for Action Beyond the Health System
At the Fiji forum, participants examined the challenges facing Pacific nations, including difficulties identifying people at risk, inconsistent data collection, workforce capacity and access to support in rural and maritime communities.
Workshops explored stronger suicide surveillance, national prevention strategies and ways of ensuring that community experience helps shape research and policy.
The forum also considered the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence, including opportunities and risks associated with their use in mental health and crisis support.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has emphasised the importance of collaboration between countries, particularly where smaller Pacific nations face challenges developing and maintaining specialist services.
The message emerging from the discussions was that prevention requires coordinated action across health, education, workplaces, government and communities. <Cite refs={[“turn513559search2″,”turn513559search3″,”turn513559search5”]}/>
Clive Aspin Joins Dale for a Kōrero
Suicide prevention researcher and advocate Clive Aspin joins Dale on Radio Waatea to discuss the significance of the Fiji forum and what its focus on Pacific and Indigenous approaches could mean for Aotearoa.
The kōrero comes at an important time, with Māori continuing to experience the highest suicide rate in New Zealand and questions remaining about the effectiveness of existing prevention strategies.
Among the issues for discussion are the importance of culturally grounded responses, the barriers facing communities seeking timely support, and how international research and collaboration can translate into practical action for whānau.
The challenge for policymakers and health providers is ensuring that conferences, research and national strategies result in meaningful improvements in prevention, access to services and support for communities.
With 602 lives lost in Aotearoa over the latest reporting year, the need for sustained, culturally appropriate suicide prevention remains urgent. The question is how the lessons emerging from Fiji can help strengthen prevention efforts here at home.
Where to get help: If you or someone you know needs support, free call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor. For immediate danger, call 111.
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