Tough times ahead, but hope new strategy can lower Pacific suicide rates

A suicide prevention worker is hopeful that the higher rates of Māori and Pasifika taking their own lives will come down, despite tough financial times on the horizon for Aotearoa.

Te Whatu Ora's Russell Baines says he's optimistic about the country's current suicide strategy, "Every Life Matters," which acknowledges the need to address the issue for these at-risk groups.

"I'm hopeful that we're going to see some measureable change. I think we're getting to a point where there's a real push in addressing suicide for Māori and Pacific people.

"We shouldn't wait for people to keep dying to establish the need that something needs to be done. But I have hope that things will happen."

He points out that drivers for Pasifika suicide are unique to the community.

A recently launched Pacific health plan named Ola Manuia found that Pasifika frequently populate 'high deprivation' areas where almost a quarter of the community cannot afford their everyday needs.

It also found that Pasifika youth are four times likely to report suicide attempts than New Zealand Europeans.

"The vast majority of stresses that lead somebody to suicide are outside things, that situational stuff, such as being at a disadvantage.

"The one thing about suicide is there's no single cause," Baines says.

The Market Research Company Ipsos surveyed 1,000 New Zealanders over 18 and found that finances currently have the biggest impact on mental health.

Managing Director Carin Hercock says their survey also found that inflation and the cost of living have become New Zealander's top concerns this year.

"We've seen yesterday the official cash rate went up. We know it's going to be a tough time next year.

"It's just another thing that we need to talk about and make sure our friends are okay and try and help people out where we can."