Universities need robust policies on dealing with students in mental distress.

Anxiety and depression appear to be rising among our tertiary students, with official figures showing at least 11 students have died by suspected suicide in New Zealand since 2015.

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust chairwoman Corinda Taylor told Mike Hosking universities need to do better.

"Life certainly is a lot more hectic now than it was 10 or 20 years ago."

Corinda Taylor says the university has always been a pressure-cooker situation - but they can't lose anyone more to suicide because of stress.

LISTEN TO CORINDA TAYLOR TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE