The organiser of a grief conference is hoping it will spark more discussions about generating support for people dealing with loss.
The conference was organised by a group of Northland kuia concerned that Māori were not receiving the support they needed when it came to grieving.
Taupiripiri Charitable Trust chairperson Hana Munro invited three high profile Māori people who have backgrounds in working in palliative care to sit on a panel and answer people's questions.
Mrs Munro recently heard of a young woman who took her life because she felt there was no-one there to support her.
"After the funeral everyone was talking about how the 20-year-old woman didn't know who to turn to while she was going through a tough time," she said.
"Her nana had gone, her grandfather had passed away and she felt there was no-one else.
"If we can get that word out that, that there are people who do care and most importantly that there are people who will listen."
Dr Hinemoa Elder, Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell, Liese Groot-Alberts, along with keynote speaker Dr Mason Durie, will address the responses to loss.
The conference, being held with the support of Hospice New Zealand, takes place today at Whitiora Marae in Te Tii, Bay of Islands.
