| ASHBURTON: The small Mid Canterbury town of Ashburton’s once proud record of youth suicide may be in danger, Mayor Murray Thompson has warned. "In the early 1990’s Ashburton earned itself a reputation as New Zealand’s leading town for youth suicide," he said. "We were even on Holmes. It really put Ashburton on the map. But now our proud record is in danger."
Thompson pointed to Ashburton’s aging population as a key reason for the decline. "People who were key leaders in topping themselves 10 years ago have either left the district, or they have aged beyond the 15 to 24 age group, and are no longer defined as youths. Even if they kill themselves now, frankly they are no good for our stats." The mayor also blamed the recent construction of a skate park in the town center for giving local youth something to do, besides contemplate ending their lives. Thompson called on Ashburton’s youth to "step up" and restore the town’s tradition of youth suicide. "By wasting yourself today, you will build a better Ashburton for tomorrow" he appealed.  |
| Ashburton falling behind in youth suicide warns mayor |
Thursday, 01 May 2003 12:00
