High teen suicide rate in NZ confirmed

Well done New Zealand you have badly let our children down but who cares as politicians, judges, lawyers, psychologists and CYFS creeps are on the gravy train in the land of the long black lie!!
Kiwi kids are kill kids. Well done cruel - greedy kiwi.What a disgraceful country run by selfish ego freaks who couldn't give a toss about the terrible plight of our children.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/09/03/1245c725245f




High teen suicide rate in NZ confirmed

3 September 2009

An OECD report on child poverty confirms New Zealand has the highest rate of suicide in the developed world.

High teenage suicide and infant mortality rates, coupled with low immunisation rates, were key features identified in the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

It ranked New Zealand 29th out of its 30 members for children's health and safety, just beating Turkey.

The report suggests suicide rates for New Zealanders between the ages of 15 and 19 years are well ahead of countries such as Ireland, Canada and the United States.

However, the Health Ministry says although New Zealand's youth suicide is the highest amongst developed countries, it has come down nationally.

Child and Youth Health chief adviser Pat Tuohy says the Suicide Prevention Strategy introduced three years ago is making a difference.

The report's co-author Dominic Richardson told Nine to Noon the statistics for New Zealand are poor, considering it is more wealthy than some other countries in the OECD.

The report also suggests high rates of child poverty and teen pregnancy in New Zealand. Mr Richardson says though New Zealand spends more than many other countries on older children, this spending is not being focused on problem areas.

The Child Poverty Action Group says the report comes as no surprise and though there have been some improvements, it is concerned the recession will undo what progress has been made.

GO - Listen to item on Nine to Noon

Government has taken action - Bennett

Politicians say the OEDC report on child poverty makes for grim reading.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett agrees the report does not look good, but says the situation has improved since the data for the report was collected in 2003.

Ms Bennett says the Government has already taken action, but says it is not just about throwing money at the problem.

The Labour Party's Annette King says the dismal trends identified in the report were the reasons it launched the Working for Families package when it was in government.

She says Labour also introduced before school and at birth checks, but agrees there is more work to be done.

Maori Party's co-leader Tariana Turia says the report confirms what the party has been saying about the plight of New Zealand's children.

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