Year: 2006 Source: Archives of Suicide Research, v.10, no.2, (2006), p.159-168 SIEC No: 20080844

This article describes patterns of suicide & attempted suicide among the Maori of New Zealand using official data from the New Zealand Health Information Service. The majority of suicides occur in young people, aged less 35 years. Rates of suicide are higher among Maori males & females aged less than 25 than in their non-Maori peers. Rates of hospitalization for attempted suicide are higher amongst Maori males aged 15-24, compared to non-Maori. In contrast, suicide is virtually unknown amongst older Maori (60 years). Explanations for the observed rates of suicide in Maori are reviewed & approaches to effective intervention to reduce rates of suicide in young Maori are examined. (30 refs)