The Ministry of Health has updated its suicide prevention action plan, with the Government putting an extra $8 million into the programme.
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said on average 10 people kill themselves every week and while the suicide rate has fallen, it is still too high.
The Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched in 2006, outlines a framework and direction for preventing suicide.
Eight million was added to the strategy in last year's budget and will be spread over the next four years.
Mr Dunne said the plan introduces new approaches, including a partnership with the Health Quality and Safety Commission, to get better knowledge of contributing factors and patterns of suicidal behaviour in New Zealand.
