Provisional statistics released by Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall and made public yesterday show there were 65 suicides in Otago and Southland between July 2017 and June 2018.
The number of self-inflicted deaths has risen sharply since 31 were recorded in 2013-14.
The highest number of suicides across all district health board (DHB) regions was in Canterbury, where 87 were recorded between July 2017 and June 2018.
They continue to trend upwards nationally and are now at their highest level per 100,000 people (13.67) for at least the past 11 years.
In 2007-08, 540 were recorded in New Zealand, compared with 668 in 2017-18.
Men continue to take their lives at more than double the rate of women.
In 2017-18, there were 19.72 suicides per 100,000 people for men, compared with 7.79 for women.
Maori also continue to be over-represented in suicide statistics, with about 24 per 100,000 of population in the preceding year, compared with 14 for European people, and about nine and eight for Asian and Pacific New Zealanders respectively.
The Ministry of Justice declined a request for an interview with Dunedin coroner David Robinson.
Judge Marshall said suicide was a significant health and social problem facing New Zealand.
"It's a tragedy to see the number of self-inflicted deaths increase again.
"If someone expresses thoughts and feelings about suicide, take them seriously."
WellSouth nursing director Wendy Findlay said her organisation, which undertakes wide-ranging suicide prevention work, had anticipated there would be an increase.
"It certainly wasn't a surprise."
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust chairwoman Corinda Taylor, whose son Ross took his own life, said the figures showed "we need to be alert, now more than ever".
"If you notice a friend, colleague or family member is in distress, listen to them."
If people had concerns, they should ask the person directly if they were considering suicide, she said.
Where to get help:
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 443 366
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Homecare Medical: 24-hour 1737 free text/phone
Youthline: 0800 376 633, txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline)
