Serious concerns have been raised for New Zealand's teenagers and young Maori following the release of fresh suicide statistics today.
While the total number of suicides was down on last year - 11 less than 2010-11 at 547 - there was a significant increase in cases among the 15 to 19-year-old age group.
Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean released the annual suicide statistics for the third time and says while the annual number has remained relatively constant the figures show some concerning trends.
"Significant is the jump in teenage suicide numbers, and the continued rise of Maori suicides, in particular young Maori."
Suicides in the 15 to 19-year-old age group were up from 56 in 2010-11 to 80 in 2011-12.
Shockingly, the report records a suicide among the five to nine-year-old age group.
It is the youngest suicide case the Ministry of Justice's Coronial Services Unit (CSU) has dealt with since comprehensive records began in 2007.
Over the past year, the number of Maori suicides have increased across most age groups.
Of particular concern is the 15 to 19-year-old age group, which, at 37, was almost double the average of the previous four years.
"I am concerned that we seem to be making no impact (on youth suicide rates), there's no visible downward trend at all," MacLean, said.
"Other ethnic groups remain much the same - Asian Pacifica, non-Maori - but the Maori statistics, that's concerning."
The results have renewed calls for the subject - often considered 'taboo' - to be talked about more, in an effort to help bring down the alarming rates.
Leteisha Cornes' brother took his own life when he was just 16.
"It's such a young age," she said. "Young teenagers that obviously don't have that much of an idea of their emotional wellbeing and how to fix that and how to get in the right frame of mind."
Maria Bradshaw, from the suicide prevention group Casper, said a number of factors contribute to the high numbers among Maori, particularly those in their teens.
"Environmental and social impacts, poverty, unemployment, issues around teen pregnancy and binge drinking are all things that impact really badly on Maori and which drive the suicide rate," she said.
"It's time we started addressing those things."
She said communities need to talk more openly about suicide.
"Historically we know that social issues have flourished in silence," she said.
"There's no reason to think that suicide will be any different, and in fact it's not."
It's a view shared by both Cornes and MacLean, who want New Zealanders to start discussing the subject more openly, in a bid to help our suicide statistics to fall.
The Mental Health Foundation is also behind such action.
It is holding a free 'webinar' focussed on understanding suicide and effective prevention to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
"The coroner's statistics are a timely reminder of the need to focus on working with communities and professionals to support safe and effective suicide prevention activities," MHF chief executive Judi Clements said.
"We encourage New Zealanders to start conversations about how we can support each other, build resilience and wellbeing, and strengthen connections with family, whanau, friends and the community.
"Some of the most effective protective factors against suicide are supportive relationships, belief in a positive future and a strong cultural identity."