The Children's Commissioner is reassuring parents that suicide amongst children is uncommon in New Zealand.

On Friday night, a 10 year-old child from West Auckland died in what police describe as tragic but not suspicious circumstances.

Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft said he extends his sympathies to the family involved in an event that should never happen.

"The crystal clear message is always take those concerns seriously, get help, it can be easily accessed, and there's support available," he said.

The former Youth Court Judge said however child suicide is not a common problem in New Zealand.

He said while overall suicide figures remain high, New Zealand children remain fairly well-equipped to deal with mental health.

"Someone taking their life at that age is very, very rare. I haven't come across in my time as Children's Commissioner, nor has my predecessor - an experienced paediatrician in his five-year period - come across an apparent suicide at age 10."

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.