Six young lives lost - Inside a Northland coronial inquest

This episode contains discussion of suicide.

A coronial inquest into the deaths of six young people in Northland identified significant gaps in the support available to rangatahi and their whānau, including poor communication between government agencies and under-resourced mental health services.

Open Justice reporter Shannon Pitman joins Jane Yee to discuss what the inquest found, the changes already being made in Northland, and why telling the stories of the young people involved matters.

Then, we take a wider look at New Zealand’s coronial system — why an inquest might be held, what a coroner is trying to establish, and how their recommendations can help prevent future deaths.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737