In 2000, 96 young people died from suicide. This was the lowest number of deaths since 1986 and showed a large drop in the number of female suicide deaths. But for every completed suicide there are a far greater number of attempted suicides.

Suicide is not a disease that can be cured. Rather, it is a complex problem for which there is no one cause or cure. Instead there are a range of biological, cultural, economic, social and psychological influencing factors. Most suicides, however, can be prevented.

The New Zealand Government has responded by producing a national strategy to signal the way forward to deal with the challenge of preventing young people from considering suicidal behaviours. However, the Government cannot reduce youth suicide on its own, as it needs the support and involvement of individuals, families, communities, services, and businesses.

The New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy was developed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) and the Ministry of Health.

The New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, published in March 1998, has two parts In Our Hands, which is the general population strategy, and Kia Piki Te Ora o te Taitamariki, which is the strategy specifically targeting Maori needs and approaches.

In March 2001 the Ministry of Youth Affairs took over responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Why a national Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy? The purpose of the New Zealand Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy is to provide leadership at a national level by outlining the key interventions that need to be in place to prevent suicide.

The Strategy was published in March 1998 and has two parts 'In Our Hands' which is the general population strategy, and 'Kia Piki Te Ora o te Taitamariki', which is the strategy specifically targeting Maori needs and approaches.

The framework of the strategy is broad enough to be long lasting and inclusive enough to guide interventions from a range of sectors, from government, local government, professional groups, non-government organisations, service providers, iwi, hapu, community members and private individuals.

A national level strategy recognises the complexity of the problem and the need for a co-ordinated and collaborative response both across government agencies and out to non-governmental entities.

Development of a national strategy also allows for the identification of existing interventions and gaps that need to be addressed.

Finally, a national strategy provides a recognisable and consistent strategic approach to suicide prevention. It is essential that youth suicide prevention programmes are well-designed in order to ensure that they do no harm. The national approach aims to ensure that best practice is pursued in the development and delivery of youth suicide prevention.

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