Two separate cases of suspected self-inflicted deaths of two children are being investigated by the coroner.
The most recent was a 10-year-old child in Auckland, a Massey Primary School pupil, who died in an apparent suicide at her Swanson home, Fairfax reports.
In an unrelated case a nine-year-old girl from Kaitaia died in Starship Hospital at the start of January.
Her family believe her death was a "tragic accident" which is being treated as an accidental self-inflicted death, rather than a suspected suicide.
The Ministry of Education and Massey Primary School leaders are working to support staff and pupils affected by the 10-year-old's death, while police have also been providing support to the family.
Waitakere Police Inspector Brett Batty told Fairfax the death was "an absolute tragedy".
In the year ending June 2016, eight children aged between 10 and 14 died by way of suicide, compared to 10 in the same age group the previous year.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, call:
- Lifeline on 0800 543 354
- Suicide Prevention Helpline on 0508 828 865
- Youthline on 0800 376 633, text 234 between 8am and midnight or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- 0800 WHATSUP (9428787) children's helpline between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and 3pm to 10pm on weekends; online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm each day on the whatsup website.
- Kidsline 24/7 on 0800 543 754 for children aged five to 18. A Kidsline buddy will be available between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays.
Newshub.
