Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics. This was the message from government as it launched consultation for the draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025-2029.
Reflecting on the day, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said “every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. He said that as a country we should do better to address this.
“I am particularly concerned at the increasing levels of distress among our young people, and New Zealand’s youth suicide rate remains unacceptably high.
While there has been some progress in strengthening NZ’s suicide prevention and postvention system, he said, there are still gaps that need addressing.
A study released last year also found that rural suicide rates are higher than its urban counterpart.
Research led by University of Otago Professor Garry Nixon shows twice the number of people under 30 living in rural areas die compared to those in cities.
Doocey said with current action plan is coming to an end later this year, it is now appropriate to refresh the focus of the country’s suicide prevention efforts to best meet the current challenges.
“This draft action plan responds to feedback shared with us by the communities, families and people affected.”
He said the actions in the draft plan reflect the government’s mental health priorities to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention support, grow a workforce able to support those at risk of or impacted by suicide, and to strengthen focus on prevention and early intervention across the range of factors.
“The small set of focused actions – with clear milestones and lead agencies – will help ensure we can hold agencies to account for delivery.
New Zealanders are urged to have the say on the draft proposal, to help inform the new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which is expected to be released in 2025.
“I look forward to hearing from people affected by suicide and those working to support them. Your feedback is crucial to ensure we have a strong approach to preventing suicide over the next five years.”
The consultation closes at 5pm on November 1.
Suffering from depression or stress, or know someone who is? Where to get help:
Rural Support Trust: 0800 RURAL HELP
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Need To Talk? Call or text 1737
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234
