A Government-commissioned study into suicide has shown the need for targeted suicide prevention in the public sector.

The Suicide Mortality Review Committee has analysed data related to three groups with high suicide rates - young Maori, working men, and mental health service users.

Committee Chair Dr Rob Kydd said information from CYF, Police, and Corrections shows a large percentage of people had contact with an agency in the lead up to their death.

He said more than half of young Maori who had come to police attention due to an alleged offence, did so in the year before their death - which was a surprising finding.

Dr Kydd said the caveat is that due to the limitations of the study, they're not sure what the rate of contact is with Corrections in general for that age group.

He said a permanent committee needs to be funded, so they can go deeper into the data.

"That really depends on the Ministry. So this was set up as a feasibility study - they have to look at what the results have been to make a call as to whether or not this is something that should be funded going forward. That's up to them [...] but they seem to be reasonably sympathetic."

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.