Working paper: Review of suicide and self-harm monitoring indicators downloads

This working paper presents a focused review of suicide and self-harm monitoring indicators. The paper outlines how these indicators will contribute to building a high-level picture about rates of suicide and self-harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The purpose of this review was to identify a small set of suicide and self-harm measures that will be incorporated into the Commission’s ongoing independent monitoring and reporting.

Five high level ‘outcome’ measures will be included in our annual system performance monitoring. Monitoring data we draw on will be available from late 2025 and will be included in our May 2026 monitoring report.  

The published data will provide the mental health and wellbeing context for people that we advocate for. As part of our broader influence and advocacy work we will maintain an independent view of the state of suicide and self-harm for people in New Zealand, Aotearoa. We will also continue to advocate for increasing the availability of resources, support and treatment options for people experiencing stress, distress, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. 

Separate to this work, the Commission is considering how it can best contribute to monitoring of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, alongside the Ministry of Health. We expect to confirm our respective roles by the end of 2025.