Hook Whānau Wellbeing Retreat
Rāwhiti: Northland
Whānau have experienced grief no whānau should experience. The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating for anyone, however the dark cloud it created for this whānau was a heavy weight to bear.
Bringing light back into the whānau, was a conscious decision to shift gear to bring happiness back into their whānau. Happiness, they hope, would be a natural day to day occurrence by making some key changes in their lives.
As a movement, the whānau were dedicated to changing things of the past to create more happy memories of being together. To begin that journey, the Hook whānau planned a wellness retreat together. This was the first time all 10 of the whānau would travel together, since the passing of their brother (uncle & papa) from suicide and it was important the trip was planned while their dad was still able to travel.
The whānau travelled to Queenstown, a special place to visit. The focus was to create light and love, to create new, happy experiences with the whānau while continuing to remember and carry the mana of their brother with them. On completion, this very special trip provided new memories that they will hold dear forever.
A great start to the healing journey ahead
https://vimeo.com/482520447/396faa918e
*This whānau initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (and Te Rau Ora) through the Māori Suicide Prevention Fund (2020-2021).
Rutu Aperira
Rutu’s dreams and aspirations come from lived experience following the tragic suicide of her 18year old brother, and she determined to do something to honour his memory and help raise awareness about suicide causations and risks.
August 3, 2022
