Suicide / Self Harm

Suicide Statistics

Every year approximately 500 New Zealanders die by suicide; more than the number who die in road traffic crashes. Around five times as many people will be hospitalised as a result of self harm or suicide attempt. Suicide disproportionately affects young people aged 15-24 years, with suicide being the second most common cause of death for this age group. 

However, since reaching a peak in 1996, the youth suicide rate has declined by 25%. Approximately 80% of suicides now occur in the 25 years and over age group, with the highest suicide rate in the 25-44 year age group.

A closer look at the statistics reveals a number of trends that demonstrate disparities in the prevalence of suicide among different population groups. Those who live in the most deprived areas of New Zealand have higher rates of suicide and hospitalisation for suicide attempts that those living in the least deprived areas. There are also gender disparities with more males dying by suicide than females.  

These trends are exacerbated for Maori, with Maori males having higher rates of suicide and hospitalisation for suicide attempts compared with non-Maori males. A significant number of Maori suicides occur in the under-35 age group. While this may reflect the socio-economic inequalities faced by Maori, in countries like New Zealand it is common for indigenous peoples to have poorer health even when socio-economic position is considered. While suicide rates have declined since 1998 for all groups, evidence shows that the improvements over this period have not eliminated the difference between Maori and non-Maori suicide rates. 

Risk Factors for Suicide

Suicide is extremely complex making it difficult to identify why a person completes or attempts suicide. What is currently known is that there are a number of factors that put some people more at risk of attempting or completing suicide. Most, although not all, of those dying by suicide or making suicide attempts have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Other risk factors include individual factors (e.g. personality), exposure to trauma (e.g. family violence), family factors (e.g. lack of care, unemployment) and contextual factors (e.g. institutional settings such as prisons, access to means of suicide).

More information about suicide and suicide statistics can be found on the Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ) website