Provisional statistics released by Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall made public today show there were 65 suicides in Otago and Southland between July 2017 and June 2018.
The number of self-inflicted deaths was nearly double the 37 recorded in 2007/2008, and significantly higher than the average of about 45 in each of the preceding 10 years.
Nationally, the greatest number of suicides across all District Health Board (DHB) regions happened in Canterbury, with 87 between July 2017 and June 2018.
Suicides continue to trend upwards nationally.
In 2007/2008, 540 were recorded, compared to 668 in 2017/2018.
Men continue to take their lives at more than double the rate of woman.
In 2017/2018, there were 19.72 suicides per 100,000 of population for men, as against 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 to 14 for Europoean people, and about nine and eight for Asian and Pacific New Zealanders, respectively.
The Ministry of Justice has declined requests for interviews with Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall and Dunedin Coroner David Robinson.
Where to get help
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• Depression Helpline, phone 0800 111 757 to talk to a trained counsellor
• General mental health inquiries: 0800 44 33 66
• Healthline, phone 0800 611 116, if you feel unwell or sick, or need advice
• Samaritans, phone 0800 726 666, if you need confidential emotional support 24/7
• Youthline, phone 0800 376 633, free text 234, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
