Mental health specialists are praising a drop in suicide numbers but say continuing high rates for youth and Maori are alarming.
The Ministry of Health has released figures from 2011 which show 478 people committed suicide, compared to a peak total of 577 in 1998, a fall of 29.8 percent.
Professor Max Abbot, of the Auckland University of Technology says New Zealand's youth suicide rate is still very high.
He says events such as relationship breakups and abuse are risk factors for young people but reducing the stigma of depression and mental health issues can help prevent suicide.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements says New Zealand's youth suicide rate is the second-highest in the OECD.
Counties Manukau District Health Board mental health services clinical director Peter Watson told Morning Report he would like to see more work done to promote positive mental health, to help young people deal with stress and pressure and tell them where to go to get help.
