This publication is a background document to "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki: Strengthening Youth Wellbeing", one of two components of the "New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy" (1998). "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki" provides a cultural framework specific to Maori youth suicide prevention; the general population component of the strategy is "In Our Hands". The present publication by Lawson provides the evidence-based context for the "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki". "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki" highlights the importance of Maori individuals, whanau, hapu, iwi and communities in responding to Maori youth suicide. The author emphasises that in order for prevention strategies to be successful, there needs to be a commitment from within Maori communities to address the issue of Maori youth suicide. Furthermore, there needs to be an emphasis on the restoration of cultural values, traditions and practices. The significance of the relationship between culture and behaviour is also identified as being crucial in developing Maori youth suicide prevention strategies. As there is almost no research on Maori youth suicide, the majority of the literature referred to in this document is based on international research of other indigenous peoples. However, the author highlights that this research is extremely relevant for Maori as many behavioural factors are consistent across numerous indigenous populations. It is recognised that indigenous youth are more likely to experience multiple risk factors for youth suicide than the general population, and this is also true for Maori. (One of the identified risk factors is child abuse.) Moreover, there are a number of additional risk factors for indigenous youth, both internationally and in New Zealand, including cultural degeneration and loss of cultural practice and identity. The negative effects of colonisation on Maori are also briefly addressed. The document includes a section on interventions for international indigenous youth suicide, using two international case studies as examples. Implications for Maori youth suicide prevention are discussed. The document provides an overview of the consultation process with key stakeholders that took place during the development of "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki". Maori youth perspectives on preventing Maori youth suicide are also summarised. Finally this background report outlines the five goals of "Kia Piki te Ora o te Taitamariki", and identifies the factors required for effective cultural intervention.

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