The Raglan community gathered on Saturday, November 15, for the third annual mental health and suicide-awareness event hosted by Tumanako Whāingaroa—a day dedicated to hope, connection, and strengthening community wellbeing.
Read more: Community unites for annual mental health event led by Tumanako WhāingaroaWhat began three years ago, after Raglan Naturally secured funding to bring Rob Mokaraka to town to perform his powerful stage presentation about his lived experience of suicide, has grown into a meaningful annual tradition that continues to deepen its impact. Mokaraka’s visit opened the door for honest conversations about mental health across the community, creating a foundation that this event now builds upon each year.
As in previous years, the day opened with a karakia from local Kaumatua Sean Ellison, followed by the Hīkoi around Raglan’s three bridges, with participants carrying placards featuring key mental health messages. Although the event was intended to be held at Papahua, rain and stormy weather forced organisers to implement Plan B, quickly relocating everything to the Stewart St Hall. Despite the weather shift, the hall soon became a warm, vibrant hub of activity.
A wide range of mental health services were present, including Youth Intact, Steve Rickard’s Chat Room, and Scotty Morrison’s RUOKBRO van. Tumanako Whāingaroa also provided an extensive resource table filled with brochures and information outlining support services available to whānau in the community, including their newly published Community Wellbeing booklet listing both national and local services.
One of the highlights of the day was the visit from Emnah Tritah and her daughter Tyla, who brought their beautiful Timor ponies and a box of brushes for people to enjoy interacting with. This opportunity was a hit with tamariki and adults alike, offering a calming, engaging activity that drew many smiles.
A free sausage sizzle—skilfully run by Kevin Holmes and Andrew Parsons—kept attendees well fed, while Good Bitches Baking’s Anouska Sweetman treated the community to delicious home-baked treats. In the kitchen, Wendy Reed expertly managed operations, ensuring hot drinks, kai, and hospitality flowed seamlessly throughout the day.
Inside the hall, families and individuals enjoyed bead-making, colouring activities for tamariki, and an interactive Te Whare Tapa Whā activity focused on holistic wellbeing. Outside, alongside the ponies and food stalls, a small stage hosted the local ukulele group alongside young rangatahi musicians Joel Newport and Aiden Scot-Nanthasack, who played throughout the event. This created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that encouraged people to relax, mingle, and connect.
This year’s event was supported by a wide range of community organisations and businesses, including the Raglan Community Board, Raglan Community Trust, Raglan Naturally, Raglan Medical, Ray Diprose of Living Productions, Raglan Signs, Stewart St Hall Committee and Congregational Church, WEC Whāingaroa Environment Centre, Raglan Property Brokers, Poihākena Marae, Prime – Ange Kinred, Lifted, Raglan Fresh Choice, Raglan Four Square, Morning Glory Coffee, Donna Ewart, and Landscape Services Management LTD – Reuben Brown.
The kaupapa of the event remains centred on creating hope, fostering connection, encouraging difficult yet necessary conversations, and honouring those in the community who have been lost to suicide. A key message—“It is not weak to speak”—featured prominently. Events like this reinforce that no one in our community should face their journey alone, and that mental health challenges and grief are often long, complex, and unique to each person. Every one of us has a mental health journey, and connection plays a vital role in navigating it.
Looking Ahead to Christmas: A Gentle Reminder
With Christmas approaching, it’s important to remember that this time of year can place extra pressure on us—financially, emotionally, and socially—and we can often feel pulled in different directions. It’s completely okay to set gentle boundaries and remind yourself of what you can and can’t control.
Keeping things simple, choosing what feels meaningful, and being kind to yourself can ease the load. Remember, you don’t have to do everything or please everyone. Noticing how you’re feeling, prioritising your own wellbeing, and asking for support when you need it are all signs of strength.
Connection is not only vital for our mental wellbeing, but in Whāingaroa it remains one of our greatest community strengths. Reaching out early for a kōrero – whether to a friend, whānau member, neighbour, or local support service, – can make things feel lighter and help you feel grounded again.
Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect to be special; often the moments that matter most are the slower ones, shared with others or simply taking time to enjoy the beauty of the environment around us. Keeping things real, kind, and manageable is one of the best ways we can look after ourselves and each other over the holiday season.
Tumanako Whāingaroa – It’s not weak to speak!
