Go to home page - Ministry of HealthWhats New - Ministry of HealthPublications - Ministry of HealthForums - Ministry of HealthLinks - Ministry of HealthContact - Ministry of HealthAbout - Ministry of HealthSearch - Ministry of HealthSkip Navigation
Print this  Email this

Suicide Prevention in
New Zealand

www.moh.govt.nz/suicideprevention

Suicide and suicidal behaviour is a major social and health issue in New Zealand. Every year approximately 500 people die by suicide and each suicide has a profound impact on friends, family, whānau, and often whole communities.

Link to NZ Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan page. Although New Zealand has a moderately high rate of suicide by some international comparisons, it has dropped by approximately 19% since its peak in 1998. This is encouraging and gives us some indication that the efforts we have made in the suicide prevention area have been effective. New Zealand now has a well developed programme of activities in a range of sectors across the country.

There are many factors that influence suicide and therefore it requires comprehensive action, from promoting resiliency to crisis management and support. Suicide prevention involves government agencies, local government, community and iwi groups, health and social service providers, researchers, schools, prisons, district health boards, and the media.

Suicide prevention in New Zealand is guided by two key documents:

  • New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-2016
  • the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012
View more information on the NZ Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan page.
Website feedback
We welcome your feedback on this page.

Page last updated: 17 December 2009

Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz