Tongan youth suicide prevention must be inclusive of the family, according to new research that shows that Tongan youth in New Zealand have to navigate their way between two or more ethnic identities. This tension contributes to feelings of alienation and disconnect.

Raising awareness of the issue, a leaflet called 'Tongan Youth Suicide Prevention in Aotearoa'  will be launched at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) South Campus this evening, May 23.

The information resource provides an ethnic-specific approach to understanding and addressing suicide prevention for Tongan youth in New Zealand.

 AUT PhD student, Aulola Fuka-Lino, led the resource development project, which was developed in collaboration between researchers at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the University of Auckland, with funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Risk factors

The content draws from the work of Dr Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, a senior lecturer in Pacific Studies at Auckland University and author of Suicide Prevention for Tongan Youth in New Zealand.

Key risk factors for suicide include ‘the pressures’ associated with familial obligation, financial strain, living up to high expectations, achieving elitist sporting status and walking between two worlds. 

The research reveals that Tongan youth in New Zealand have to navigate their way between two or more ethnic identities. This tension contributes to feelings of alienation and disconnect. It also fosters resentment and anger towards parents who don’t understand the difficulty of balancing western expectations with Tongan traditions.

Dr Tiatia-Seath says Tongan youth suicide prevention must be inclusive of the family.

“Open and consistent communication within the family is key. Young people need to talk about issues and families need to be equipped with safe messaging around suicide. Maintaining regular check-ups among family members saves lives,” she says.

Heilala Malu

The information resource outlines the Heilala Malu Tongan Framework for Suicide Prevention – an approach that is meaningful and effective for Tongans, encompassing ofa (love, compassion, care and kindness), toka’i (respect), loto lelei (humility and open-mindedness) and fetauhi’aki (respectful relationships). This framework is symbolised by Tonga’s national flower.

The four-page leaflet 'Tongan Youth Suicide Prevention in Aotearoa' will be distributed by Le Va, community groups and stakeholders. It is available in both Tongan and English language.

Aulola says more ethnic-specific resources are required for community health promotion and practice.

“We wanted to create something relevant to the Tongan community that would raise awareness of a sensitive issue. And, this is a good starting point. If it benefits a family or individual, then we have done our job,” she says.