New Zealand has a poor record when it comes to suicide.
The World Health Organisation ranks us at 28th worst of 108 listed countries, though our statistics have improved slightly since that list was compiled.
Latest figures show 11.2 suicides per 100,000 population in New Zealand. More than 500 people take their own lives each year.
Many sources have pointed out that this is much higher than the annual road toll - yet measures to tackle fatal crashes seem much more visible.
Figures released by the Chief Coroner last year showed 51 people in the Rotorua coronial region (the wider Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Turangi, Putaruru and Tokoroa) died by suicide in the year to June. This was about a tenth of the national figure.
Steps are already being taken to address the issue. More than 70 people registered for a suicide prevention workshop just two weeks ago in Rotorua.
But still the new plan is welcome, and overdue.
It's clear more needs to be done.
It's also worth noting that New Zealand is said to have the most restrictive laws on media reporting of suicide in the world. This doesn't appear to have helped the situation and in fact would have stifled open discussion and debate on the topic.
In October we reported Prime Minister John Key as saying youth suicide statistics were damning and the Government needed to do better. Let's hope this $25 million plan goes some way towards fruition of that wish.
If you want to talk to someone about these issues contact Lifeline on 0800 543 354.
