Provisional suicide statistics a reminder that continued action is needed

Today, the Office of the Chief Coroner released New Zealand's provisional suicide statistics for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) acknowledges with aroha the 602 lives lost to suspected suicide over the past year.

The data shows a provisional suicide rate of 10.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with 11.0 deaths per 100,000 people in the previous year. While the numbers have declined somewhat over the last decade, the rate remains stubbornly and unacceptably high. Each life lost has a profound and long-lasting impact on whānau, friends, colleagues, and communities.

"Today, we remember every person represented in these statistics and extend our heartfelt aroha to those who are bereaved. Behind every statistic is a person, and a whānau, and a community experiencing loss. Every suicide is devastating and reminds us that continued efforts in suicide prevention must remain a priority for an incoming government " says MHF chief executive Shaun Robinson.

“We acknowledge the dedicated work of health professionals, community organisations, support services, and whānau who work tirelessly to prevent suicide and support people through difficult times. Countless lives are saved each year, but reducing the suicide rate requires sustained and targeted action."

MHF notes the importance of continuing to improve access to timely, culturally responsive, and evidence-based support, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by suicide.

Suicide is complex, and there is rarely a single reason why someone dies by suicide. A wide range of personal, social, economic, cultural, and health factors can contribute to someone’s risk.

We all have a role to play in preventing suicide. Governments can contribute to social and economic conditions where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and hope, and their basic needs are met. Each of us can check in on friends, whānau, neighbours, and colleagues who may be struggling. It all makes a difference.

“Together, we can encourage help-seeking, strengthen connections with one another, reduce stigma, and promote hope and recovery,” Mr Robinson says.

If you have been bereaved by suicide and need support, contact Aoake te Rā, New Zealand's free national postvention service. Further support options and free resources are available at mentalhealth.org.nz.

He murimuri aroha ki ngā taonga kua riro.

Our deepest sympathy to loved ones.

ENDS

Important notes for media

The Mental Health Foundation encourages media to report these statistics responsibly and in context.

Suicide statistics should be presented accurately and without being sensational or creating undue alarm, or cause distress to suicide bereaved. Reporting should focus on longer-term trends and the wider context, rather than implying that annual changes reflect a simple cause or point to a crisis. Journalists are encouraged to verify all figures before publication and to avoid speculation about why suicide rates may have increased or decreased.

Media coverage can play an important role in suicide prevention by increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support. Including information about help-seeking and support services in reporting can also assist people who may be affected by the content. The Suicide Media Response Service at the MHF can offer guidance and offers resources for best practice reporting.

Suicide statistics should help audiences understand long-term patterns and opportunities for prevention, not create a sense of crisis. Suicide is complex and rarely the result of a single event. Portraying this carefully and safely in media is important to reducing suicide in Aotearoa.

Contact

Mark Wilson, Suicide Media Response Service, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

Email: Mark.Wilson@mentalhealth.org.nz or call: 021 998 94

Resources

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0)
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
• Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand – Free suicide prevention and suicide loss resources. mentalhealth.org.nz/resources
• Aoake Te Rā – Free bereaved by Suicide Service. aoaketera.org.nz 0800 000 053.
• After A Suicide – offers compassionate support and practical information for whānau, friends, and communities who have been impacted by suicide. www.afterasuicide.nz 
• Huarahi Ora – National bereaved by suicide triage service.