Figures from the Ministry of Justice show 27 men in farming communities committed suicide in the past year ended June.

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The chief coroner Deborah Marshall released annual provisional suicide statistics on Tuesday, which showed 564 people died by suicide in the past year, up 35 on the previous year and the highest number since records began eight years ago.

Male suicides rose from 385 last year to 428, and female suicides dropped from 144 to 136.

Figures released under the Official Information Act show of the 27 farmers, six were from Waikato, three from Canterbury and three from Taranaki, all between the ages of 20 and 64.

The total compares to 22 in the previous year and 19 in 2012/2013.

The figures show almost 200 farmers have committed suicide in the past eight years.

Photo: 123rf.com

Where to get help:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Chinese Lifeline - 0800 888 880

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

www.depression.org.nz

www.SPARX.org.nz