The Southern region has recorded the largest increase in reported cases of suicides in the country, amid calls from the chief coroner for a more open approach on the reporting of suicide.
Statistics released by chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean show there were 60 reported suicides in Otago and Southland during 2009-10 - a 62% increase on the 2007-08 figures.
While he had no concerns over "any apparent spikes" in the South, he was supportive of the release of statistics, which show the age, gender, ethnicity, method of death and regional area of reported suicides.
Nationally, there were 541 suicides in the 2009-10 year, which put New Zealand "in the middle of the road" internationally.
"We are open and honest about this in New Zealand."
Previously, national suicide statistics were not collated accurately, but now they provided an "early heads-up" on what was happening in society, and there was no reason why they could not be released annually, he said.
The statistics helped identify potential suicide clusters, and might even help dispel urban myths concerning the prevalence of suicides during full moon cycles, periods of extreme cold, or during windy weather patterns, he said.
Although there were some who wanted no media reporting of suicide for fear of copycats, there were others who wanted the present rules relaxed.
"I think it is time for a gentle opening up," he said.
"This is a debate for the public ... and for me to listen."
Before the Coroners Act 2006 was introduced, inquests into suicides were held in public, but now it was up to individual coroners whether hearings were held in chambers - without the presence of media, Judge MacLean said.
Coroners had to ask themselves whether releasing the information was in the best interests of the public, and as chief coroner he could potentially issue a suggested guideline detailing the best practice when dealing with suicide cases, he said.
Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar said he offered families the option and almost invariably they opted for a hearing in chambers.
It was his view that publishing even the basic details of suicides served no purpose and only caused further pain to the families and friends of the deceased.
Sensible reporting of suicide should focus on the overall number of suicides, and the issues leading to suicide and not the individual cases, he saidSenior research fellow at Otago University's Injury Prevention Unit Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja said she agreed with Dr Crerar's approach.
"As researchers, we are aware of the fine line between reporting and not reporting and where you could cross the line and it could be potentially quite damaging. It's quite a tricky business."
There were many issues that did need to be discussed as part of the debate on suicide reporting.
Reports should not glamourise or sensationalise the act or include details of individual acts.
Rather, reporting needed to raise awareness of the underlying causes of suicide, such as mental health - particularly depression - and should always include a focus on where people can seek help.
It was not necessary for individual suicides to be reported.
"We need to look at why is a person so distressed to get to that point. If we address the root causes, hopefully we won't have to focus on a tragic end story."
Foundation for Youth Development spokeswoman Victoria Hood said the high incidence of suicide-related deaths and injuries in New Zealand was unacceptable.
"More open discussion is needed and the focus should be on why the suicide occurred, not on the details of how, which is distressing for grieving loved ones."
