By Glenn McConnell of 
ACT MP Mark Cameron. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
ACT MP Mark Cameron made an impassioned plea to Parliament, urging more assistance for rural communities, following the death of his 22-year-old son.
Cameron's son, Brody, died in May, in a suspected suicide confirmed by his father.
During a general debate at Parliament on Wednesday, Cameron delivered an emotional speech which shed light on his motivation for remaining an MP and the toll his son's death had taken.
"Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. Hard for some, bloody hard for me. I buried my boy, and he is gone," Cameron said.
The ACT Party caucus joined him in the House. The acting Speaker and other MPs acknowledged his loss, after the heart-aching speech.
He said his son's death, while traumatic, reminded him why he became an MP.
"I stand here to address this House, to address all of you, a shadow of the man that boy would have become. A shadow. But I am here, because I must. I am a father to a lost son, a parent to a lost child. But I turn up every day in this House because I believe in rural New Zealand," he said.
"My boy was a contractor, a farmer, an every day good Kiwi bloke. He is no more."
Cameron said he hoped that by advocating for rural communities, he may be able to help others.
"I might save someone else, I might be able to help rural people preserve their way of life," he said.
"Listen to these people. Politicians need to stop and actually listen to rural folk."
He said "red tape", "sermons" and other obstacles added further stress to farmers.
"My boy is gone. His suicide was one thing. It could have been many things. But I will say this, to this House, in this god awful mess that is my life, I am in this House every day because I absolutely believe in rural people," he said.
He said the Parliament, together, needed to focus on people - to combat suicide.
Cameron is a List MP, who entered Parliament with the ACT Party in 2020.
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 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
- This story was originally published by Stuff.
