who can help, will help...Those authorities have failed him."

Davis said he didn't know what the answer was but said something needed to be done.

This man had repeatedly asked for help and had not provided with the long-term, wraparound support needed for people in his situation.

COMMUNITY IN CRISIS

This incident comes after a recent spate of suspected suicides in Davis' home region of Northland.

A spate of at least five suspected suicides in the Northland town of Kaitaia during the past 12 weeks has left the town shocked.

Head of He Korowai Trust Ricky Houghton has told media the recent string of deaths reflected a feeling of hopelessness in the town.

Houghton's nephew, a 28-year-old father of two young children was among those who died by suspected suicide.

The community was struggling with feelingsof economic engagement has been a common factor leading to drug and alcohol abuse and the social dislocation that those practices generate.

"Until central government provides meaningful regional development and economic sustainability and support services this appalling blight on families is likely to continue," Peters said.

Following the first deaths, a Kaitaia College student organised a town meeting with suicide awareness advocate Mike King. About 180 people attended the meeting.

This isn't the first time Northland has been singled out for its disproportionately high suicide rate.

There has been a steady stream of news reports on the topic dating back to 2007, pointing to a lack of awareness and support around mental health issues, as well as the factors mentioned by Peters.

Suicide data for the 12 months to May, show 10 people