A record 564 people committed suicide in New Zealand in the year to July 1, 2015.

New Zealanders are committing suicide in record numbers, with the Chief Coroner describing the figures as "appalling".

Despite millions being poured into suicide prevention and a shift towards a more open conversation about self-inflicted deaths, provisional figures released on Tuesday show 564 people still took their lives in the year to July 1. Young men, particularly Maori, were most at risk of suicide.

This was 34 more than the previous year and the highest number of deaths since records started in 2007.

Because the population has grown, the suicide rate is still lower than its peak in 2011, but up on last year.

It marks a reversal of the suicide rate slowly dropping since 2011 to its lowest level last year.

Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall said it was disappointing the downward trend had not continued.

"Over the last eight years I believe we've seen a shift in society's preparedness to have a more open conversation about suicide, but we are not seeing any movement in what is an unfortunate static annual figure."

Marshall said in her first year in the chief coroner job, she had been approached by many organisations wanting to do more to reduce our "appalling rate of suicide".

Dr John Crawshaw, the Ministry of Health's chief mental health advisor, said the slight rise this year was not signifcant but it was concerning suicide rates had remained stubbornly high for years.

"This really is very disappointing and very tragic. Behind each of these deaths is an individual and their family and loved one."

It was still "early days" on a raft of strategies to lower the suicide rate but it was more than Government could achieve alone.

"It really requires collection action."

Other unfortunate records broken this year include the highest number of men and retired people committing suicide.

While the number of men taking their own lives rose, the number of women dropped. Men now account for three out of four suicides. Suicide rates among Maori rose to record levels and remained disproportionately high.

The biggest portion of people who committed suicide were in their early 20s, with 61 deaths, followed by people in their early 40s, with 58 deaths. However the suicide rate was highest among people in their late teens.

Youthline spokesman Stephen Bell said suicide was a huge killer of young people, particularly young men, who were often the most isolated after leaving school. and facing big life changes.

"The main way we are losing young people in the 21st century is them killing themselves," he said.

"But we are almost becoming numb to the tragedy."

Many of help services were not targeting the right groups of people or involving young people in the solution.

"I think the focus is on fixing a problem when it should be about communities that engage these people."

Dr Simon Denny, at Auckland University, said one possible explanation for the rise in suicide rates was economic hardship, which had hit the young particularly hard in New Zealand. Research showed a rising unemployment was often followed, with a delay, by higher suicide rates. Unemployment rates for under-25s peaked in 2012 but remains higher than before the global financial crisis.

"I think there has been a erosion of opportunities for these young people and that is really difficult for them."

Moira Clunie, of the Mental Health Foundation, said everyone needed to think more carefully about how they could prevent suicide, particularly among Maori and young people.

"If you're worried about someone, asking them about suicide will not increase their risk, but ignoring their distress can. For a person who is struggling, having a chance to talk to someone who will listen without judgement can be a great relief."

Where to get help:

The Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812) will refer callers to some of the helplines below:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354

Depression Helpline (8 am to 12 midnight) - 0800 111 757

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distress, or those who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz