Coroner Katharine Greig said students could be vulnerable around NCEA results time (file photo).

A 17-year-old died by suicide the day after learning he had missed out on two NCEA credits he needed for university.

Mekellan Naidoo had completed Year 13 at east Auckland's Botany Downs Secondary School in 2016, with plans to study teaching at Auckland University in 2017, a report from Coroner Katharine Greig, released this month, said.

He received his NCEA results on January 17, 2017 and died the following day, the certificate of findings said.

Mekellan lived in East Tamaki with his parents and brother.

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His mother, Shirley Naidoo, said Mekellan had been in a car accident on January 15, taking a corner too quickly and damaging two wheels.

MORNING REPORT/RNZ Primary and intermediate school principals are fighting a proposal to let children as young as 11 sit new high-stakes NCEA tests in literacy and numeracy.

"He was upset by the incident and further upset when there was additional damage to the vehicle when it was towed," Coroner Greig said.

"Mrs Naidoo said that this incident caused stress for Mekellan whom she described as having 'always been a sensitive child'."

Upon receiving his NCEA results, Mekellan discovered he was two geography credits short to meet entry requirements for his intended university course.

"Mekellan did not tell his parents his results," Coroner Greig said.

"He sent a number of text messages to friends over the next two days that show that he was upset and grappling with the implications of his results and whether he would get into university and, if not, what his options were."

Evidence showed Mekellan contacted both the university and teachers from his former school to find out what he could do about the missing credits.

On January 17 and 18 Mekellan told his friends he was scared, dumb and had never felt so bad in his life, Coroner Greig said.

The day after his death, he received a text from an Auckland university inviting him for an interview, she said.

"Mekellan's mother said that he also received an email that day advising that he had been accepted into university to do a bridging course to make up the credits, following which he could carry on and do his chosen course."

Botany Downs Secondary College principal Karen Brinsden told Coroner Greig that Mekellan was a "very likeable young man" and football was his passion and skill.

Brinsden said although the school had always had an open-door policy for students to discuss learning options, it had become more proactive in communicating with students about their options following his death.

She sent Stuff a copy of information that would be put in the school's upcoming newsletter to help support students upon the receipt of their NCEA results.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority chief executive Karen Poutasi also said the group had a number of support and information services in places for students when NCEA results are released.

Coroner Greig found despite evidence that Mekellan had sought help, his realisation that he had not achieved the results he hoped for was "very distressing".

"Mekellan's tragic and untimely death highlights that the period around receiving NCEA results can be a time of heightened vulnerability for students, especially if the results are not as they wish," she said.

"This is something that everyone involved needs to be aware of, and alert to.

"It is important that processes are in place to ensure that students have clear information on how to access promptly both emotional support and practical advice about options moving forward, if required."

WHERE TO GET HELP:

1737, Need to talk? - Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor

Depression.org.nz - 0800 111 757 or text 4202

Lifeline – 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here

Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.

thelowdown.co.nz – Web chat, email chat or free text 5626

Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825

If it is an emergency click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team. In a life-threatening situation call 111.