But 579 lives lost in just one year shows something needs to change.
It was for that reason that John Henden, a well-known suicide prevention trainer and therapist from England, was in Dunedin over the weekend.
Mr Henden spoke at the "Zero Suicide-Solution Focused Approach to Suicide Prevention" workshop at Dunedin’s Kavanagh College on Saturday.
The one-day event was organised by the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust, and drew a crowd of about 50 people, including psychologists, counsellors and social workers, as well as ambulance officers, teachers and members of the public.
Rather than the "traditional" approach, based on assessment, management and medication, Mr Henden encouraged a more open and empathetic approach to the subject, she said.
It was hoped that could help break down the stigma and taboos surrounding discussions of suicide, and help push New Zealand towards the goal of zero deaths from suicide, she said.
It would be a change that bucked the national trend at present, she indicated.
"We had 579 [deaths] last year, and that’s rising.
"That’s 579 too many," she said.
The trust was also seeking 579 pairs of shoes to display at St Paul’s Cathedral, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
Need help?
Healthline 0800 611 116
Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
General mental health inquiries: 0800 44 33 66
The Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
