Photo: Getty ImagesNew Zealand's suicide rate is higher than Australia's; twice as many of our young men have killed themselves in recent years. While suicide rates were similar between the nations generally, New Zealand's rate was higher overall, due to higher rates among young citizens, including a "markedly higher'' suicide rate of youths. The suicide rates of young adult indigenous populations in both countries remained high, but there was a fall in the suicide rate of non-indigenous youths in Australia. The study noted explanations that had been made for the high Maori youth suicide rate, including the disadvantaged status of Maori in society, cultural alienation and confusion over identity. There have been substantial decreases in the suicide rates of New Zealanders and Australians over 55 since the 1980s.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 12, 2017 20:05 UTC