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The Mental Health Foundation says the latest suicide statistics shows more attention needs to be paid to the needs of suicidal young people and Maori men in particular.
Coroner’s data released yesterday shows 564 people took their own lives in the year to June, a rate of 12.27 per 100,000 people.
That’s 35 more than last year and sets a new record.
Foundation spokesperson Moira Clunie says most people who attempt suicide don’t want to die, but they just want their pain to end or can't see another way out of their situation.
There are a number of helplines available, including the Suicide Crisis Line 0508 TAUTOKO – 0800 828 865
Labour’s justice spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says the increase in suicides shows government prevention efforts aren’t working.
She says a re-think is needed on how to strengthen and target support for high-risk populations, including a focus on the links between suicide, deprivation and family violence or childhood abuse.
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