Suicideprevention advocate dies

AUCKLAND: The Taranaki father who collapsed and died after a fight with his son was wellknown suicideprevention advocate Tama Eminukutepua.

Mr Eminukutepua (57) collapsed after an altercation with his son outside a property in Pukatea St, Inglewood on Saturday.

Police were called to the property about 7.30pm after reports of two men fighting and although Mr Eminukutepua was treated by ambulance officers, he died at the scene about 8.30pm.

His friends and family have taken to social media to place tributes for the man who was the national chairman of Aotearoa Riders Against Teen Suicide, or Rats.

He was also the founder of the Taranaki Suicide Prevention Crisis Response.

A post on the Hawke’s Bay Rats Facebook page sent a ‘‘huge mihi out to the Eminukutepua whanau’’ and said it was a very sad occasion.

Northland Rats board chairman Hone Mihaka said he would be greatly missed.

‘‘I can say for and on behalf of the Aotearoa Rats that a great tree has fallen from the midst of the forest, and the loss of that tree will indeed be felt throughout the forest.’’

Mental health notforprofit Voices of Hope also paid tribute to a ‘‘leader and a provoker of change’’.

‘‘We are saddened to hear of the passing of fellow suicide prevention advocate Tama Eminukutepua,’’ its Facebook post said. ‘‘Tama was a key part of Riders Against Teenage Suicide and had a heart for the broken whom he spoke hope into.

‘‘We had the honour of winning an AMP scholarship alongside him last year, both as advocates wanting to help others.

‘‘We will continue to fight for those you fought for. Rest in love Tama. Thoughts and prayers are with your family on this day.’’

Mr Eminukutepua won a $10,000 AMP National Scholarship last year for his work in mental health.

He was also the founding party president of the United Peoples Movement NZ.

Current party president James Falepau Upm said he was an integral part of the movement.

‘‘He was a very knowledgeable man and very dedicated. He was a very passionate person in regards to suicide prevention and reforming our justice system.’’

Suicide prevention advocate Mike King said he was gutted to hear of his death. ‘‘I was with him on Tuesday. Absolutely salt of the earth guy. Sad loss.’’

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund said police were making inquiries on behalf of the coroner and arrangements for a post mortem were under way. — NZME