Death at Christchurch prison
A man died at Christchurch Men’s Prison on Saturday in a suspected suicide.
Prison director David Pattinson said every effort was made by staff to save the man, but he died in the early hours of the morning.
The man’s next of kin have been notified. His death has been referred to the coroner.
‘‘Every death in custody is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with his family and friends,’’ Pattinson said.
The death would be investigated by the independent Corrections Inspectorate and the Office of the Ombudsman would be advised, in line with Corrections Department policy.
The number of ‘‘unnatural’’ deaths, which included any death not by natural causes, increased sharply in New Zealand prisons between 2012 and 2016.
In 2016, 10 people killed themselves while incarcerated, up from four people the previous year.
Corrections developed a ‘‘strategic plan’’ in 2017 to improve prisoners’ mental health. One person died by self-harm while in prison in 2017.
The demographics of suicide in New Zealand’s prisons reflected the wider mental health crisis for young people in New Zealand, with people between the ages of 25 and 29 being over represented in a Department of Corrections study covering the years 2010 to 2016.
A review into New Zealand’s mental health services was announced last month.
Where to get help
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 - 24 hour telephone counselling
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234 - 24 hour telephone and text counselling services for young people
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 - 24 hour telephone counselling.
Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (noon to
11pm)
❚ For information about suicide prevention, see mentalhealth. org.nz/suicideprevention.