HopeWalk Suicide Prevention Movement

09/09/2025

🧡💛🎗️

01/09/2025

A truly a remarkable human being. It’s Bary last event in charge as he takes a back seat and looks after himself. Get there and support the legend!

Just letting all you amazing supporters of Hopewalk know that this will be my last year running the event. A while ago I got diagnosed with Parkinson's, and there are a lot of things I need to do to stop it deteriorating too quick, so time to put more time into my own well being. I just want to say a massive thank you to you all, as without your support, this event would of faded out years ago. I took this role on 3 months after losing my son to su***de, never expecting to get over 600 people 8 years later, and that's thanks to you, the community getting behind it. I have an amazing young man taking over, Logan Papier, who lost his older brother to su***de, will be taking over after the event in 11 days time. I would really love to see you all at Hopewalk this year, come join us and make it a day the community gets behind a hugely important cause. Remember, you are awesome, your storm will pass, and your rainbow will shine after the storm
Thank you, and see you on the 13th

07/08/2025

Honouring a Visionary Leader – Christine Tomasevich

As this chapter of HopeWalk Rotorua comes to a close, we pause to honour and give heartfelt thanks to one of its founding leaders – Christine Tomasevic.

Since the very first walk in November 2018, Christine’s visionary leadership, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to mental health and su***de prevention have been the heartbeat of the movement in Rotorua. Under her guidance, and with the help of dedicated volunteers and community partners, HopeWalk Rotorua became a powerful expression of love, unity, and hope – walking together for lives that matter.

Even with the challenges of COVID, the walk continued to be a beacon of light, culminating in our final walk in 2023 – the same year Christine gracefully stepped down as Chairperson. Her leadership has left a lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to echo through the lives touched by every step taken, every conversation started, and every heart that found hope.

We also want to thank every volunteer, supporter, stakeholder, and community member who walked this journey with us. HopeWalk Rotorua would not have been what it was without you.

Thank you, Christine – your courage and care helped lead a movement that truly made a difference. Enjoy the next season of life.

Arohanui, your HopeWalk global family
💛🎗️

26/06/2025

Saturday September the 13th is the day of Hopewalk Blenheim this year. Guest speaker Rob Mokaraka is back after such amazing feedback received after last years event. RRT team are back supplying us with amazing free burgers and barista coffee. Great local singers lined up. Posters will be out in the next couple of weeks. Let's make it bigger and better than last year

16/06/2025

15/06/2025

KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE 💛🎗️

Su***de prevention walks and events are powerful ways to raise awareness, honour lives lost, and unite communities in hope. Across New Zealand, we’re seeing incredible momentum as people step up to make a difference in their own communities.

HopeWalk itself was birthed out of lived experience 10 years ago—by those who had lost loved ones and wanted to bring their voice to the table at a grassroots level. It began with a deep desire to break the silence, reduce stigma, and create space for healing and connection.

We’ve had the privileged to add our knowledge alongside other community groups and charities to bring the Su***de Prevention Event Planning Resource to life. Download it here. https://mentalhealth.org.nz/resources/download/1792/f4qp0hzhfn8tmdgm

We’ve also learned, through experience and hard lessons, that this work must be done safely and the right support must be offered and present. We also encourage everyone organising an event to do some su***de prevention training like LifeKeepers, this allows you to communicate the right message to those present. Every event should include the right clinical support, clear planning, and a commitment to wellbeing for everyone involved.

Together, we can keep walking forward—with courage, compassion, and care.

22/05/2025

Congratulations Joseph on your incredible example. As a movement, we are so proud. 💛🎗️.

Mr Iosefo Joseph Fa’afiu, of Auckland, MNZM for services to mental health, youth and the Pacific community
Iosefo Joseph Fa’afiu founded the HopeWalk Su***de Prevention Movement and was the Project Lead for Link4life Health Equity Campaign for Su***de Prevention. He was a member of the Pacific Advisory Unit for New Zealand Police in South Auckland and the Counties Manukau Pacific Advisory Board. He published children’s books on anti-bullying, identity and ‘tall poppy syndrome’. He has founded leadership and public speaking programmes for young people. He was Co-Chair of Connecting Papakura social service network and chairs Gateway Community Trust. He was a volunteer Team Xtreme Life Skills Youth Educator. Mr Fa’afiu is a member of Planet Youth’s governance group, aiming to reduce substance use amongst Papakura youth.

22/05/2025

Well done Bary. What an incredible community leader you are. 💛🎗️

21/04/2025

19/03/2025

🙌🏽💛🎗️

03/03/2025

HOPEWALK AUCKLAND (Tāmaki Makaurau)
Held on 1.03.2025

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for HopeWalk Auckland at St Heliers/Mission Bay.

No matter how many of us gather, we walk because every step matters. It’s about being present, creating a safe space to reflect, remember, and support one another.

A special thanks to Manu & CJ from Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora (City & Waitakere Su***de Prevention and Postvention Team) for providing clinical support and guidance, ensuring individuals and families could connect with the right help.

Grateful to Rimoni for capturing these moments through your lens, and to each person who showed up—you are part of something bigger.

We are still 💛🎗️
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