NZ MP Mark Cameron breaks down in Parliament after his young son took his own life
A New Zealand MP has made an emotional plea for more government support to help rural residents’ mental health after his son committed suicide earlier this year.
ACT MP Mark Cameron delivered a powerful speech during the general debate in parliament on Wednesday, speaking openly about the devastating impact his son’s death had had on him.
Brody Cameron, 22, died of apparent suicide on May 10 this year, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
“Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, difficult for some, bloodcurdlingly difficult for me. I buried my boy and he’s gone,” Cameron said during his speech.
He said that while his son’s death was a traumatic experience for his family, it also reminded him of his purpose as an MP.
‘I stand here to speak in this House, to address you all, a shadow of the man that boy would have become… I am a father of a prodigal 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 Acting Chairman, who acknowledged Mr Cameron’s loss.
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, Mr Cameron and Brody)
Brody, 22, was a star forward for the Vikings Rugby Football Club in Northland, New Zealand’s northernmost region
Mr Cameron described his son as a contractor, farmer and “an ordinary, good New Zealander” but he is “no more”.
He said his son’s death was a reminder to himself and other politicians that they needed to stand up for New Zealand’s rural population and make it easier for them to seek mental health care.
“Maybe I can save someone else, maybe I can help the rural population to keep their way of life,” he told parliament.
‘Listen to these people. Politicians should listen to the people in the countryside.
‘I say this to this House, in this terrible mess that is my life. I am in this House every day because I absolutely believe in the people of the countryside.’
The MP also highlighted the “bureaucracy” and other obstacles that are putting additional pressure on farmers and regional communities.
Mr Cameron (pictured) revealed his son’s death had taken a huge toll on him and his family, but also reminded him he had 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 would have turned to ‘anger and frustration’
High-profile current and former politicians, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, sent their condolences following Brody’s death/
“I offer you our deepest condolences, Mark. I know the thoughts and prayers of the entire House are with your family at this time,” Mr Luxon wrote.
An emotional Mr Cameron said no parent should have to bury their child in a moving eulogy at Brody’s memorial service.
He described his son as “all my successes and none of my failures,” as he fought back tears.
“From father to son I say, tackle those bastards, run straight ahead, leave your shoes and your hat at the door and don’t forget to smile when you’re greeted, because we’ll say goodbye, you’ll say goodbye and we’ll be together,” Cameron said.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Lifeline New Zealand 0800 543 354