Last year 668 people took their own lives, and one of the recommendations from the Government's new mental health inquiry is to reduce our suicide rate by 20 percent by 2030.
But a Hamilton couple says this isn't good enough. Jane Stevens lost her son Nicky Stevens when the 21-year-old took his own life in 2015.
Appearing on The AM Show on Wednesday, she questioned why the Government was only recommending a 20 percent reduction in suicide targets when last year Jacinda Ardern said she wouldn't accept a rate "that's anything other than zero".
- 'Outdated and inadequate': Govt mental health inquiry paints damning picture
- Rebuilding 'broken mental health system' will take time - Health Minister
- Greens pressure Government on mental health after Swarbrick takes portfolio
"There are some significant omissions in the report and I think this is our last chance to get this right," she told host Duncan Garner.
"So many of us, we can't bring our children and our family members back, but the only thing we can do is try and ensure that these tragedies do not continue happening and people in New Zealand get the health care they need and deserve."
Mr Stevens was under a compulsory care order at a mental health facility when he was unbelievably let out unescorted on a 15-minute cigarette break. His body was later found in the Waikato River.
His mother says the mental health system failed and "our son's dead as a consequence".
"We expected that our son would be kept safe, that he would receive a good standard of care, and that we would be listened to as his family," she told Garner.
"The system completely and utterly failed our family and we are only one of thousands of families that have been affected in that way around this country, and it is a real indictment on our mental health system."
- Sharyn Casey tears up during emotional suicide statistics conversation with Jacinda Ardern
- Jacinda Ardern moved to tears at World Suicide Prevention Day
- 'Mental health system only works for the wealthy or dying' - advocate
Appearing on The AM Show Health Minister David Clark said he accepted "we're going to need to do more".
"I have to say that I'm a little bit uncomfortable with saying any level of suicide is acceptable," he told Garner.
He said changing the mental health system was a "really significant" task and "won't solve it all in our first Budget".
"The Finance Minister has been clear in his speeches already that mental health and wellbeing are a priority for this Budget," he says.
"Having set those expectations the public rightly will now know to where we spend money wisely to ensure better outcomes."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Newshub.
