Suicide rates for Maoris were analysed for 1957-91 & compared to those for non-Maoris. Maori men had about half the risk of suicide of non-Maori men, & Maori women one-third the risk of non-Maori women. There was a sharp increase in suicide rates for Maori aged 15-24 over the study period with rates approaching those of young non-Maoris. In pre-European times Maori suicide appeared to be embedded in traditional culture; today high rates appear in young men likely alienated from their culture.