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Home / New Zealand

Local Focus: Tauranga man honoured in 'paddle out'

NZ Herald
12 Apr, 2019 08:11 AMQuick Read

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'The ocean was the one place he was free'. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT SUICIDE AND MAY BE DISTRESSING AND/OR TRIGGERING.

"He absolutely loved surfing, being out in the ocean was the one place he was really free, just confident to be who he was."

The life of Tauranga man Stephen McNeil-Wilson was honoured at Mount Maunganui beach with a paddle out to acknowledge his life and his love of surfing.

Around fifty members of the community gathered for the memorial service for Stephen who took his own life last Saturday.

"We want to get the message out here that people are loved, people care about you, there are so many people who love Stephen, who cared about Stephen and who are so upset about it," Stephen's Mentor, Krista Davis said.

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WHERE TO GET HELP
Need to talk? 1737 Free call or text 24/7
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633
Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
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