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Regional | Hastings

Flaxmere “Hui Up” to highlight suicide stats

The community of Flaxmere in the Hawke's Bay took to the streets by marching to highlight the increasing number of suicide deaths in their community, with the hope of stopping it from happening again.

According to Spokesperson Te Hamua Nikora, “This community has been weighed down with grief, and they're looking to each other for answers and asking themselves why this has happened. There's a tremendous veil of sadness over Flaxmere at this time, and indeed the wider Hastings region.”

Hundreds turned out to support the march and the organisers hope it's a small step toward getting their message across.

People in the community have also harnessed the power that social media has on the younger generation, and created a "Hui Up" Facebook page.

Now they're putting their words into action, by encouraging everyone to “Hui Up” and reach out by talking to one another.