'Life will never be the same': A brother's grief

Robbie Magasiva has spoken about the moment he learned his younger brother Pua had died - and his family's ongoing grief.

Pua, the 38-year-old actor and former Shortland Street star, was found dead at a central Wellington address in the early hours of Saturday, May 11.

Robbie Magasiva, a fellow actor who had starred with Pua on Shortland Street and Sione's Wedding, told Woman's Day of the moment he learned of his younger brother's death from Pua's twin Tanu, and had to then break the news to their parents.

"That wasn't a good phone call. When Dad answered, he was all chipper, and then I had to tell him and he started wailing," he told Woman's Day.

"I'd never heard that before. In the background, I could hear Mum yelling, 'What's wrong, what's wrong?' And he had to tell her."

The death had hit their tight family hard.

"To be honest, life will never be the same for us," he told Woman's Day. "Everyone is coping differently, but we are all grieving."

Born in Apia, Samoa, Pua Magasiva and his family moved to New Zealand when he was 2. He was raised in Wellington and attended St Patrick's College.

Magasiva rose to fame on Shortland Street where he played the much-loved role of nurse Vinnie Kruse between 2003-06 and then 2011-18.

He also had roles in the Power Rangers television series, Sione's Wedding and Outrageous Fortune.

He co-hosted the breakfast show on Flava, a radio station owned by NZME, but left the show last year. NZME is the publisher of the New Zealand Herald.

Magasiva, who has a young daughter from his first marriage, married Lizz Sadler in April last year, 18 months after meeting on Instagram.

Robbie Magasiva told Woman's Day there could have been warning signs that not all was well with his younger brother in recent times.

"When I was in Melbourne, I had reached out and said I was worried about him. I could foresee the fall. I'd suggested a counsellor, but he didn't want to hear it."

Robbie urged others to speak to each other and to check in on their friends.

The magazine and four-page interview is on sale now.

Where to get help

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

• Depression Helpline, phone 0800 111 757 to talk to a trained counsellor

• Healthline, phone 0800 611 116, if you feel unwell or sick, or need advice

• Samaritans, phone 0800 726 666, if you need confidential emotional support 24/7

• Youthline, phone 0800 376 633, free text 234, or email talk@youthline.co.nz

• What’s Up, phone 0800 942 8787, for 5 to 18-year-olds. Monday to Friday, noon to 11pm, weekends 3pm to 11pm. Online chat 5pm to 10pm, 7 days, at www.whatsup.co.nz

• OUTLine NZ, phone 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE), support for sexuality or gender-identity issues. Helpline available 6pm to 9pm daily.

• Lifeline, phone 0800 543 354, or text HELP to 4357/.

• In an emergency, or if you feel you or someone else is at risk, phone 111.