Ladi6 speaks out after holiday car crash with message to check on others

Ladi6 has shared a tender-hearted message following an unexpected Christmas Day car crash. Photo / @ladiwho

Musician Ladi6 has shared a plea for Kiwis to look out for one another this festive season after what she described as an “outrageous” Christmas morning.

The Christchurch-born singer, real name Karoline Fuarosa Park-Tamati, said her whānau was involved in a car crash on Christmas morning, leaving the family “battered, bruised, and shaken”.

She said another driver collided with their vehicle as she, her husband, son and dog were parking to go for a swim at Point Chevalier. The impact blew out the rear windscreen and damaged the car’s chassis.

“I dived into the footpath like a marvel hero, wearing my damn togs and a lavalava, the driver was directly coming at us so fast I thought he was going to run me over”, she wrote.

“Guardian angels were watching over all of us involved this Christmas - but it could have been a true tragedy.”

Despite the shock of the crash, the 44-year-old said she felt compassion for the other driver, who appeared extremely distressed.

Park-Tamati said discussions with her husband afterwards led her to reflect on the broader implications of mental health struggles and how unaddressed distress can escalate quickly.

“I keep wondering how moments like this remind me how quickly unaddressed distress can quickly turn into irreversible harm.”

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“The Christmas period can be deeply isolating for some people. Mental health struggles don’t take holidays - and maybe at times they can seem to multiply them, nervous systems can become overloaded.”

The “Like Water” singer urged Kiwis to be there for one another and to be careful on the roads over the break.

“These holidays, please don’t drive impaired, overwhelmed, or unwell - let’s look in on and look out for each other this holiday season.”

She also shared her whānau’s gratitude for the support they received after the accident.

“Thank you to all the caring neighbours where it happened, emergency services, and my aiga who celebrated Christmas with us later that night and took care of us. We love you guys so much.”

Park-Tamati has been outspoken about the importance of emotional well-being over the years, sharing details of her own struggles for Mental Health Awareness Week in 2017.

She is an advocate for music therapy and is currently in the process of becoming a NZAC qualified counsellor.