Suicide Facts - Provisional 1999 Statistics (all ages)

Suicide Facts - Provisional 1999 Statistics (all ages)

Date of publication April 2002

Key Points

The total number of suicides has reduced to 514 from 577 in 1998 and 561 in 1997. This is the lowest total number since 1994 (512) and the lowest rate since 1993.
Total suicide deaths and rates have reduced among males in recent years, but there has been a slight increase in numbers and rates among females.
In 1999 a total of 120 young people aged 15–24 years died by suicide, compared with 140 in 1998, and 142 in 1997. Young people still have higher rates of suicide than other age groups.
Suicide deaths have reduced among both Mäori and non-Mäori. In 1999 the rate of suicide among both Mäori and non-Mäori was almost identical (12.0 to 12.2 per 100,000). However, Mäori continue to have higher rates of youth suicide.
The hospitalisation rate for suicide attempt and self inflicted injury in 1999/2000 has increased slightly for the total population compared to 1998/1999 and 1997/1998 (but is identical to the 1995/1996 rate). Hospitalisation rates for youth (15–24 years) in 1999/2000 have also increased slightly on 1998/1999 but are lower than 1995/1996 rate.
There is some variation in regional suicide rates for the total population but no apparent trend. There is more variation among youth rates but still no emergent regional trends.
The New Zealand Health Strategy has identified reducing suicide and suicide attempt across all ages as a priority health objective.
Suicide prevention requires a range of interventions across a number of settings and the co-operation of Government, service providers, communities and families.

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1 Provisional 1999 all ages statistics are available on the New Zealand Health Information web site: www.nzhis.govt.nz.