When you create high unemployment, cut funding for education, increase the cost of living, increase inequality and ensure there’s an underclass that has little hope to achieve, no matter how hard they work, there's consequences.
In releasing the information to stimulate discussion on the topic, Judge MacLean said:
Male Maori aged 20 to 24 continue to have the highest suicide rate.“The suicide toll is a really concerning commentary on our society, and I believe anything we can do to aid more accurate information can only be for the better.
“I have suggested that there may be room for a gentle opening up of the restrictions on media reporting of suicide, but we need to consider all viewpoints – especially those of families – so we can make informed decisions.
“These statistics clearly show that what we have done in the past is not bringing the toll down so we must look for new solutions,” Judge MacLean said.
The latest data puts the total at 558 deaths by suicide. The suicide rate in 2007 was 11.0 deaths per 100,000 population. It had reduced significantly by 27.3% under a Labour government since the peak rate of 577 deaths in 1998. That high rate of suicide was also a direct result of National's negative policies. Let's not help them achieve that 1998 peak again.
