Indigenous Suicide in New Zealand

Abstract

This article describes patterns of suicide and attempted suicide among the indigenous (Māori) population of New Zealand using official data from the New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS). The majority of Māori suicides (75%) occurr in young people aged <35 years. Rates of suicide are higher among Māori males and females aged <25 than in their non-Māori peers. Rates of hospitalization for attempted suicides are higher amongst Māori males aged 15–24, compared to non-M[abar]ori. In contrast, suicide is virtually unknown amongst older M[abar]ori (60 years). This article reviews explanations for the observed rates of suicide in M[abar]ori, and examines approaches to effective intervention to reduce rates of suicide in young Māori.

Keywords:

• suicide
• indigenous
• New Zealand
• Māori