The number of suicides in the Bay of Plenty has reached an 8-year high.
In the year to June, 41 Bay people took their own lives, six more than last year. It equalled the number seen in 2008/09.
The provisional figures for the 2016-2017 year were released by Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall yesterday.
Nationally, the number climbed to 606 deaths, up 27 from last year.
Judge Marshall said New Zealand had much to do to turn around its "stubbornly high" rate of suicide.
"In the last year we've seen a lot of discussion about suicide and the incredible emotional toll it takes on those who are left behind. While acknowledging that people are taking their own lives is important, it is only part of the conversation about suicide in the community.
"What is equally important is our discussion around how we can prevent suicides and how everyone - family, friends and colleagues - is able to recognise someone at risk and ensure they get the professional help they need," Judge Marshall said.
Suicide has touched the life of former nurse and victim support worker Jan, who did not want her surname published, in many ways.
The Bay woman has lost several friends to suicide, seen policemen in tears as they attended terrible scenes, heard families beg paramedics to bring a loved one back to life.
Across her experiences, she said the one constant was the deep shame felt by those left behind - they should have figured it out, done something. It was not warranted, she said.
It has made her deeply passionate about raising awareness of suicide, and about encouraging those impacted by it to talk about their grief.
"When I first went nursing you didn't say the word cancer. It's like that with suicide. But to help people through they need to talk about it."
Tomorrow she will attend a vigil for suicide awareness in Mount Maunganui.
A pair representing each Kiwi that died by their own hand in the last year will be laid out at the foot of Mount Drury about 12 noon on Wednesday.
Ruby Powell, a co-ordinator for vigil organisers Yes We Care, said yesterday's news the increased number of suicides meant they had to find another 27 pairs of shoes.
She said the shoe project, which has been travelling around New Zealand, visually symbolised the human cost of New Zealand's underfunded mental health care sector.
"By putting out the shoes we are honouring all those we have lost to suicide. We are also providing a place where people affected by suicide can share their story and come together," Ms Powell said.
She said Yes We Care began earlier this year as a health coalition of non-government organisations, community groups and unions for healthcare workers.
They united to ask the Government to set a suicide prevention target and hold an urgent independent mental health inquiry.
The call for a national suicide prevention target was supported yesterday by Tauranga registered psychologist Janet Peters, who is the New Zealand liaison for the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership.
She wanted to see the Government, district health boards and community groups working more closely together to reduce suicide and believed a national target would give them a real goal.
Where to get help
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
- LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
- SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
- KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
- WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
- DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
- SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
- OUTLINE: 0800 688 5463 (confidential service for the LGBTQI+
community, their friends and families)
Upcoming suicide awareness events in Tauranga
Shoes for suicide awareness
August 30, 11am-2pm, Mount Drury
Shoes will be set up representing each person lost to suicide in 2016/17 and local people affected by suicide will share their stories and why they want change.
Into the Light
September 2, 12pm-6pm, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre
Organised by Aroha Suicide Awareness Prevention, the family-friendly event will include a concert and motivational speakers encouraging people to open up about suicide.
Sad Blokes: Men, Depression and Suicide
September 13, 9am - 4:30pm, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, $126.50 - $184
A day-long workshop with an internationally respected specialist on suicide in men, Barry Taylor.