New Zealand is being accused of tolerating suicide amongst older people.

Currently the country has the highest rate of youth suicide in the developed world, but there's actually more older men killing themselves.

Suicide prevention expert Barry Taylor told Andrew Dickens we concentrate on young people because death isn't considered part of youth.

"Older people particularly over 50, there is almost this tolerance of it like well they've had a good life."

Taylor said the Government's draft suicide strategy should be torn up and started again. He said we need to target men in their 40s and 50s, not just focus on youth suicide.

"It's a sense if a waste, their lives are just starting. We don't see death as part of youth."

LISTEN ABOVE AS BARRY TAYLOR SPEAKS WITH ANDREW DICKENS

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (for under 18s)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds 1pm–10pm weekdays and 3pm–10pm weekends)
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463
Healthline – 0800 611 116