UPDATED 1.05pm An increase in inmate numbers is being given as a reason for the Mount Eden Correctional Facility having the highest rates of attempted suicides and self harm incidents in the country's jails.

Data released by the Corrections Department shows the remand jail's been responsible for 20 percent of all such incidents over the past five years - seven were recorded in the last financial year.

The figures also show a marked jump nationally in self harm and attempted suicides across the prison system in the last financial year - 26 were recorded in total.

Corrections Department National Commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot said they've looked into the incidents to determine whether the increases might indicate the onset of a pattern, or an issue with their procedures that needs to be addressed

He said many of the incidents were due to a single prisoner making repeated self harm attempts.

Mr Lightfoot also said an increased throughput of prisoners at Mount Eden, due to its unique position as a remand prison, may account for fluctuations in the number of incidents from time to time.

But Labour MP Kelvin Davis said it's no good to say it's a remand prison so these things are going to happen.

"They have to actually do things differently and better and just more observant in order to reduce the self-harm and suicide attempts."

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. Text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected].

0800 WHATSUP (0800 9428 787), Open between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.

Healthline - 0800 611 116
For more information about support and services available to you, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service on 09 623 4812 during office hours or email [email protected]

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