A New Zealand MP has issued an emotional appeal for more government help to support the mental health of rural citizens after his son took his own life earlier this year.
ACT MP Mark Cameron delivered a powerful speech during the general debate in parliament on Wednesday, where he spoke of the terrible toll his son’s death had taken on him.
Brody Cameron, 22, died by apparent suicide on May 10 this year, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
“Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, which is hard for some, very hard for me. I buried my son and he’s gone,” Cameron said during his speech.
He said that while his son’s death had been a traumatic blow to his family, it reminded him of his purpose as an MP.
‘I am here to address this House, to address all of you, a shadow of the man that boy would have become… I am a father to a lost son.
“But I’m here because I have to… I come to this House every day because I believe in rural New Zealand.”
He was joined by the ACT Party, other representatives and the interim president, who acknowledged Cameron’s defeat.
New Zealand MP Mark Cameron has called on the country’s politicians to support rural Kiwis in a speech to parliament following the suicide of his son Brody (pictured, Cameron and Brody)
Brody, 22, was a celebrated forward for the Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, New Zealand’s northernmost region.
Mr Cameron described his son as a contractor, a farmer and a “good, ordinary Kiwi bloke” but “he’s not any more”.
He said his son’s death was a reminder to him and other politicians to stand up for rural Kiwis and make it easier for them to seek mental health support.
“It could save someone else, it could help rural people preserve their way of life,” he told parliament.
Listen to these people, politicians need to stop and really listen to rural people.
“I will say this to this House, in this terrible mess that is my life, that I am in this House every day because I absolutely believe in rural people.”
The MP also drew attention to bureaucracy and other obstacles that are adding stress to farmers and regional communities.
Mr Cameron (pictured) revealed that his son’s death had greatly affected him and his family, but also reminded him to stand up for New Zealand’s farmers and regional communities.
Mr Cameron remembered his son as someone who chose kindness and dignity when others resorted to “anger and frustration”.
Current and former senior politicians, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, sent their condolences following Brody’s death.
“I send you our deepest condolences, Mark. I know that the thoughts and prayers of the entire Parliament are with your family at this time too,” Luxon wrote.
In an emotional eulogy at Brody’s memorial service, Cameron said no parent should have to bury their child.
She described her son as ‘all my successes and none of my failures’ as she fought back tears.
“From father to son, I say to you, stand up to the bastards, run straight, leave your shoes and hat at the door and remember to smile when you’re greeted, because we’ll say hello, you’ll say hello and we’ll be together,” Cameron said.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Lifeline New Zealand on 0800 543 354
