The Ministry of Health says new figures showing a decline in suicide deaths in 1999, are encouraging but New Zealand's suicide rate is still too high.
Provisional 1999 suicide statistics for all ages show 514 people died by suicide in 1999, compared with 577 in 1998, and 561 in 1997. The 1999 total is the lowest since 1994 of 512.
Suicide deaths have reduced in both Maori and non-Maori. However, the youth suicide rates are still significantly higher among Maori than non-Maori.
Preventing suicide and suicide attempts across all age groups is a priority under the New Zealand Health Strategy, says ministry spokesperson Maria Cotter.
