Updated 2:36pm: The former Chief Coroner says the laws which coroners use to decide if someone has committed suicide or not should be left the way they are.

Timaru GP Dr Oliver Bourke believes suicide figures could be as much as three times what's reported because coroners are classing suicides as accidents or as 'undetermined.'

His comments were made after a coroner ruled a girl who left a suicide note out, did not suicide.

He said coroners won't rule a death is a suicide unless it's very clear the person intended to take their own life.

But Judge Neil MacLean said that's the best the law can get.

He said a coroner must decide if the person wanted to die near the time of death, if they didn't, then it's not a suicide.

He said if a decision cannot be made, the wider context of the person's life, and if they've previously threatened suicide, must be taken into account.

He said the law can only do so much and the real answer lies within the prevention and education of mental health issues.

He said for that reason, it's highly unlikely there's an under-reporting of suicides in New Zealand.

In the year to May 2015, 569 people died as a result of their own actions, setting yet another record figure for New Zealand.

The road toll for New Zealand for the same period is 303.

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 (Palmerston North and Levin)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.