UPDATED 1.59pm: New Zealand First hopes the Defence Force will take better care of its personnel, in the light of shock suicide figures from the Australian military.

LISTEN ABOVE: Ron Mark speaks to Newstalk ZB journalist Alicia Burrow about veteran suicide

An investigation there has found serving personnel and veterans are more likely to die of self-inflicted injuries, than on active duty.

READ MORE: Suicide rates high among Australian veterans

Australia lost 41 soldiers over the 13 years it was in Afghanistan, while in the past year alone there have been 41 suicides among active and former soldiers.

Defence and veteran affairs spokesman Ron Mark said New Zealand servicemen and women are also needing support to help deal with what they've seen at war.

"I'm frequently contacted by New Zealand service personnel, or family, who are worried about somebody, who is not getting the kind of treatment, or not getting effective counselling from the Defence Force."

Ron Mark says he would expect similar figures for New Zealand.

"I worry that the New Zealand Defence Forces are still sweeping the matter under the carpet, that they breath a sigh of relief when a serviceperson takes a discharge, because that person is no longer their responsibility."

In Australia, grieving families of those lost say they might still be alive today if they had received adequate support from the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), News Corps' Sunday Herald Sun investigative report says.

It says a high number of Australian soldiers return from war zones depressed, anxious and in despair but unable to find help.

Families who lost loved ones have spoken out in the report to highlight the plight of military men and women at risk.

Almost all of those lost had been deployed to overseas operations, including Iraq, East Timor, Afghanistan or served on navy ships on border patrol.

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.