Iona Winter

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Speaking to suicide bereavement – A Counter of Moons at Lifting the Lid Festival (audio)

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Iona Winter

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Heartfelt thanks and my deepest respect to the 2025 Lifting the Lid Festival last weekend. Thank you for providing such a generous and inclusive space to discuss all things death and dying. Thanks to Dr Annetta Mallon for having a fearless conversation with me, about suicide bereavement and my creative work on the topic.

For anyone who’s read my books, had a cup of tea with me, or listened to me perform, you’ll know that I’m not afraid to ‘go there’ with grief; and more recently suicide bereavement. It’s been 5 years since Reuben took his life, does that make it ‘recent’ in the scheme of a lifetime? As a mother with one child, I suppose it does.

At Lifting the Lid, I was overwhelmed by the willingness from the audience to ‘go there’ with me. Equally overwhelming, was the openness in discussing suicide bereavement; something that is in stark contrast to the silence I experience here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As I’ve mentioned (too many times to count) New Zealand is predominantly avoidant when speaking to suicide bereavement, and for the bereaved it is often an experience laden with societal projections, shame and avoidance. We become invisible.

Fact: Almost 6 months on, A Counter of Moons still hasn’t been reviewed in New Zealand.

No problem, I get it – people in New Zealand just don’t want to ‘go there’ with me right now. Especially when I’m waggling this dreadful experience in people’s faces. ‘It’s just too raw for me,’ they shriek.

Having recently moved on from the depression-fest, that came from being repeatedly met with silence when speaking about suicide bereavement, I want to express my gratitude to the audience at Lifting the Lid. You showed me that there are many people in the world who are not afraid to ‘go there’ with me. Thanks to you, I have some new plans percolating because I’ve clearly still got work to do in this area.

Here is the audio file (below) of my session A Counter of Moons, from 2025 Lifting the Lid last weekend, and in discussion with Dr Annetta Mallon. Enjoy x

Lifting the Lid: https://www.youtube.com/@liftingthelidfestival

Dr Annetta Mallon: https://www.gdep.com.au/

4 responses to “Speaking to suicide bereavement – A Counter of Moons at Lifting the Lid Festival (audio)”

  1. Lesley King Avatar
    Lesley King

    I am so glad I listened to your interview at Lifting the Lid. Thank you. Lesley.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Iona Winter Avatar
      Iona Winter

      Thanks Lesley for taking the time to listen. Mihi aroha, Iona x

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  2. mia farlane Avatar
    mia farlane

    Kia ora Iona, Good to relisten to your chat with Dr Annetta Mallon at the recent online Lifting the Lid event. Thank you for sharing it. In my next Farlane on Writing quarterly+ (in December) I’ll be showcasing your book A Counter of Moons, along with two other suicide/bereavement-related books by Aotearoa-based writers. I often share information on creative nonfiction and poetry or fiction on this subject (in my newsletter or on my blog) – and I tend to be very concise, with a link to find out more. For anyone who would like to receive the newsletters, you can find the sign up form on my author website: miafarlane.com Ngā mihi nui, Mia Mia Farlane – author website http://MiaFarlane.com/about

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Iona Winter Avatar
      Iona Winter

      Kia ora Mia, it was lovely to know you were in the audience, thank you. I’ve sent you an email about the book ‘showcasing’ for which I’m deeply grateful. Mihi aroha, Iona x

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