Dr. Lynne Russell is a dedicated researcher, educator, and advocate in the field of mental health, with a particular focus on Māori suicide prevention and postvention. Her passion for this critical area stems from personal experience, having lost whānau members to momori (depression) and suicide.

Her drive to support whānau bereaved by suicide and to use research to better inform Māori suicide prevention policy and postvention support has been central to her mahi. Dr. Russell amplifies Māori experiences of, and solutions to, poor mental health and suicide through her academic roles at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington as Poukairangi Māori (Associate Dean Māori) in Health and Manutaki Takirua (Co-Director) of Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora (Health Services Research Centre).

Dr. Russell’s expertise has extended to critical advisory roles, including serving as a Senior Advisor to the 2018 Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction and as part of the research team at the Health Promotion Agency. She is currently a member of Te Ata Hāpara Suicide Prevention Research Centre at the University of Auckland and the Mental Health Foundation’s Suicide Postvention Advisory Group. In 2023, her contributions to First Nations health services research were recognised with the HSRAANZ First Nations Health, Wellbeing & Health Services Research Award.

One of Dr. Russell’s significant pieces of research was her 2015 study on suicide mortality, where she reviewed the suicides of rangatahi Māori aged 15 to 24 between 2007 and 2011. This research took an emotional toll due to the personal and cultural closeness she felt to the kaupapa. Her deep sense of responsibility to ensure these rangatahi were respected in her work exemplifies her commitment to ethical and culturally grounded research.

During this time, cultural adviser Matua Witi Ashby supported Dr Russell. He recalls moments when the weight of the research would visibly affect her: "When I saw her troubled by some of the content, tears would run down her face, her breathing would become abnormal, and sadness would show in her face. I would ask her to switch off her computer, say a karakia (prayer), and then take a moment to catch her breath—to align her manawa (heart and breath) with her wairua (spirit), hinengaro (mind), and tinana (body). I would guide her until her rhythm returned."

Lynne and Witi have continued to collaborate on numerous mental health, suicide prevention, and postvention research projects. Witi shares his deep respect for her, both as a colleague and a friend: "Her mahi, her gentleness, and her spiritual approach to people are truly inspiring."

Links:

Dr Lynne Russell – Victoria University of Wellington

Dr Lynne Russell - Publications

Mental Health Foundation

2023 First Nations Health, Wellbeing and Health Services Research Award - Dr Lynne Russell

Lynne Russell – Research Gate

Dr. Lynne Russell Sci Profiles

Telling the story of Māori suicide - Dr Lynne Russell (2013)