After an attempted suicide Tuala Tusani turned his life around from a violent gang past to becoming one of South Auckland's most successful businessmen.
Suicide survivor Tuala Tusani on a mission to save lives with his UNDADOG hair wax. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrely
His second chance at life meant starting over - going back to school at age 20 - and many in his community stepped in to help him.
"It was only afterwards that I actually realised that my friends cared about me".
Now he owns multiple properties around Auckland and runs a business importing and exporting frozen produce in the Pacific region.
Fifteen years ago he began his own suicide awareness campaign and to continue funding it he's developed a hair wax made with pawpaw.
"I'm sharing my story now on the journey that I'm on because I'm not about the money. Yeah it's good - when you're in business you're there to make a profit, I get that. But I have a different fight."
Videographer Claire Eastham-Farrelly and Indira Stewart walked down Favona Road in Mangere with Tuala Tusani, where that fight began.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
