The number of deaths by suicide has increased for a fourth year in a row.

The Chief Coroner has released the provisional annual figures for the year to June 2018 , showing 668 people have died by suicide over the past year.

That is 62 more than the year 2016-17 year.

Māori were again disproportionately represented in the figures, with 142 deaths, the highest since the statistics began a decade ago.

Male Māori in particular were represented disproportionately, with 97 deaths in the last year.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson says there are gaps in targeting the most at-risk groups.

"In many cases, Māori communities, whānau, have the answers.

"They need the support the resources, the help, to put those answers into practice."

Young people, aged 20-24, were the most at risk out of all age groups, with 76 deaths.

This was followed closely by the 45-49 age bracket with 67 deaths.

Female suicides increased by 44 and male suicides increased by 18, but the proportion of males dying was still more than double that of females.

Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust chairperson Corinda Taylor says her son Ross died at age 20 in 2013, and services still were not where they should be.

"In the five-and-half years since my son died, nothing has changed. It really breaks my heart."

Ms Taylor says she is eagerly awaiting the findings of the government mental health inquiry established in January, and in the mean time is urging everyone to look for signs that someone is struggling.

Where to get help:

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]

What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155