Northland’s suicide rate continues to fall, but remains well above the national long-term rate

Although confirmed cases did not occur until 2020, suspected cases were also used in the data as these were known to be very similar to later confirmed actual numbers.

In Northland, 32 people died from suspected self-inflicted causes last financial year, an increase of seven on the previous financial year (2022/23). Despite that increase in cases, the rate for the region (14.9 people per 100,000) was a continuation of a previous four-year decline and still lower than our average for the past fifteen years (16.1 per 100,000).

The coroner’s office emphasized the importance of looking at long-term trends rather than year-to-year fluctuations, which it said are common in suicide statistics.

There are strict rules around reporting suicide, including a ban on disclosing the methods used. Some agencies involved in this sector believe there are risks even in reporting figures and trends, which they said could increase feelings of hopelessness.

However, others believe that a more open discussion about mental health and suicide is necessary to reduce this.

Northland suicide prevention charity Men-Tall founder Mitch Thompson says the region’s persistently high average rate won’t budge unless Northlanders stop being so “staunch” on the issue and start talking about it.

“I don’t think talking about suicide makes the problem worse. I think it actually normalizes the issue – it highlights it.”

“What we find amazing is that everyone who comes to our groups walks in and you would never know they were fighting, yet they open up and start talking and it’s clear they’ve been fighting for a while and that everyone is experiencing something similar, but no one talks about it.

And it was important to share the suicide rates and figures, he said.

“The number of people who don’t understand or don’t know the true magnitude of the statistics… when they discover that information they are embarrassed by it and a common response we always get is, ‘I never knew it was like that.’ bad’.

Whāngarei counselor Diane Coleman also highlighted the need for a more open discussion about suicide.

“The stigma, shame and generational trauma surrounding mental health often isolated people, leaving them feeling helpless,” she said.

“Many of my clients are surprised when I tell them that almost all of my clients face similar feelings and challenges. Feeling alone, ashamed, and misunderstood has led us to this point. But people being brave, speaking out and saying, ‘I was there,’ that’s what can really make a difference.”

She said many of the great things being done in Northland to tackle mental health and suicide had unfortunately been out of the public eye, so it was good that healthcare providers, teachers and youth workers were now bringing these topics into everyday conversations.

“They share their stories, are relatable and facilitate discussions that really make a difference,” said Coleman.

Coleman and Thompson both highlighted the success of the face-to-face group support sessions they each organized for people affected by suicide.

“Supporting each other is what’s going to change things,” Coleman said.

“Northland faces significant barriers, including a lack of mental health funding, a shortage of mental health professionals, high unemployment and increasing substance use as people cope with trauma. Geographic isolation, historical trauma, systemic inequality and cultural disconnection further complicate the challenges.

“While more resources are needed to address these issues, there is something everyone can do: we can all talk openly about our experiences, share our stories and offer hope. By reminding each other that difficult feelings can pass, we can build a sense of connection and resilience that really makes a difference,” said Coleman.

Northland was not the only health region to struggle with a long-term average (15 years) well above the national average. The preliminary data showed Lakes, Tairāwhiti, West Coast and Wairarapa also had persistently disproportionately high suicide and suspected suicide rates, compared to the national average.

In a statement acknowledging the preliminary figures, the acting deputy director-general of the Department of Health, Geoff Short, said the annual data was an important tool in shaping a national understanding of suicide and suicide. where suicide prevention efforts can best be focused.

He noted that the latest data shows a continued high disparity in Māori suicide rates (16.3 per 100,000 people for the 2023/24 financial year), especially among Māori men aged 25-44 – 2.6 times that of non-Māori. in the same age group (30.2 versus 11.8 per 1000,000 people).

Also in a statement CEO of the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), Shaun Robinson called the continued inequality for Māori “shameful”.

“The MHF emphasizes the need for ongoing suicide prevention efforts that are aligned with Kaupapa Māori principles and supported by funding. Suicide prevention initiatives must be equitable and accessible across Aotearoa New Zealand,” Robinson said.

“There is very rarely a single reason why someone dies by suicide. Because suicide is complex and influenced by so many factors, reducing its prevalence requires a multi-agency approach. We need more targeted suicide prevention and post-vention services. It is critical that we build strong networks of connection, reduce the stigma around suicide, equip people to support themselves and each other, and provide hope.”

“We also need strong national leadership and buy-in from across the political spectrum to make this happen. The Government now has the opportunity to introduce these crucial evidence-based supports through the draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025-2029.”

The publication of the annual data last week in Whangārei coincided with the first week of a month-long coronal hearing, during which Coroner Tania Tetitaha investigates the suspected suicide deaths of six young people between 12 and 16 years old: five in 2018 and one in 2020.

The coroner opened the hearing by acknowledging the extreme emotional trauma the loss of the young people had caused and said she hoped the outcomes of the hearing would bring closure to their whānau. She said the hearing would examine the issues leading to each suspected suicide, including barriers to accessing suicide prevention. Ultimately, she hoped to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths, coroner Tetitaha said.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide crisis hotline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO (available 24/7)

• Youth Care: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• What is: 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Helpline: 1737

If it is an emergency and you think you or someone else is in danger, call 911.

Sarah curtis is a news reporter for the Northern lawyer to focus on a wide range of issues. She has almost twenty years of experience in journalism, much of which she spent on legal reporting. She is passionate about telling stories that make a difference.