There were 44 suspected or actual suicide deaths in the Southern District Health Board area in the 12 months ending May 31, new figures show.
That was four more than the previous year.
The figures were released by Justice Minister Amy Adams in response to a written question from Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox.
Ms Fox asked for the number of actual or suspected suicides reported to the coroner, broken down by local territorial authority.
The national total for the 12-month period was 567 actual or suspected suicides, compared with 569 in the previous corresponding period.
In the South, the territorial authority with the biggest number of actual or suspected suicides was Dunedin (19), followed by Invercargill (nine).
In an emailed response, SDHB medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore said the suicide rate was relatively stable in the South, averaging around 45 deaths per year.
She said suicide rates fluctuated significantly between centres.
The SDHB's suicide prevention plan was "aligned'' with the Ministry of Health's suicide prevention strategy, Dr Poore said.
"The DHB action plan relies on working alongside mental health services and community agencies who provide support to young people, males particularly in workplaces, Maori providers and supporting the huge array of existing mental wellbeing support out there for people in all sectors of our community,'' Dr Poore said.
Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust chairwoman Corinda Taylor, of Dunedin, said she was disappointed the situation was not improving.
She wanted better information about whether the victims had received support from the health system before their death.
"We need statistics that can show how many of these people had contact with primary and mental health care prior to their deaths.
"We cannot just stare blindly at the figures without taking into account what could have been done to prevent this.
"We should strive for zero suicide in our communities and our health care system,'' Mrs Taylor said.
It was important to acknowledge the pain caused by suicide.
"I personally reflect on the extreme hurt that the deceased would have experienced, the grief at the time, and continuing grief and anguish for their families [or] whanau,'' Mrs Taylor said.
Where to get help
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354
• Depression Helpline (8am-midnight): 0800 111 757
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Samaritans: 0800 211 211/ (04) 473 9739
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email 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)
