Hawaiians here to study river and help with suicide prevention

Kiritahi Firmin Photo/File

Ties between Hawaii and New Zealand have been strengthened by the arrival of a group of Hawaiian scientists.

The 12 marine biologists arrived in Whanganui last week to spend a few days exploring the Whanganui River.

They came to Whanganui at the invitation of Whanganui-based Kimiora Trust, which runs suicide prevention programmes.

Although at first glance there may not seem to be much connection between marine biology and suicide prevention, Kiritahi Firmin of Kimiora Trust says that's not the case.

"In Hawaii, they use the ocean to heal their young ones. They take their youth to the ocean to show how the water is resilient, and how they can be too. In Whanganui, we use our awa.

"The commonality is the water."

Mrs Firmin said the Hawaiian group and Kimiora have been collaborating and sharing ideas for about three years, and there have been several visits and exchanges between Hawaii and Whanganui.

The Hawaiian delegation, led by Pelika Andrade, is in New Zealand for 15 days. The trip began with a visit to Ngati Porou lands on the East Coast, and the Hawaiians have also spent time in Hawke's Bay.

The group spent its first night in Whanganui at Te Ao Hou marae, before heading up to Whakahoro to begin the journey on the awa.

Mrs Firmin said there were many similarities between native Hawaiians and Maori.

"We're all Polynesians, and we're all navigators - Maori came to New Zealand through Hawaii.

"It's important to maintain our connections with each other."