The latest suicide data has again highlighted the disproportionate impact of suicide on Māori, with the 2025/26 figures showing Māori recorded the highest rate of suspected self-inflicted deaths in Aotearoa.
The Māori rate stood at 15.8 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 12.0 for European and Other New Zealanders, 5.9 for Pacific peoples and 3.2 for Asian New Zealanders.
Overall, 602 New Zealanders died by suspected suicide during the year. Behind that number are hundreds of whānau, friends and communities living with the impact of losing someone to suicide.
Former Director of New Zealand’s Suicide Prevention Office Matthew Tukaki, now with Radio Waatea, says the figures need to prompt a wider conversation about what is working, where the gaps remain and whether prevention efforts are reaching communities before people reach crisis point.
For Māori, the latest data again raises questions about access to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services, early intervention, community-led prevention and the wider social and economic pressures affecting whānau.
Tukaki says suicide prevention cannot be viewed solely through the health system, with housing, employment, education, whānau wellbeing and connection to culture and community all part of the wider prevention picture.
The challenge now is turning the latest numbers into action — strengthening prevention, supporting whānau and ensuring fewer families are left grieving a life lost to suicide.
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. 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 or text 4202.
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
- What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. 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.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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