Hundreds of construction sites around New Zealand are flying flags to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and to spread the message about improving mental health to prevent suicide. 

Mates in Construction, an organisation aiming to fight the high rate of suicide among the construction industry's workers, has organised the event and says the construction sector has the highest rate of any commercial sector in the country. Richie Hepi, a construction field officer with Mates in Construction, spoke on TVNZ1's Breakfast yesterday, describing himself as a "suicide survivor." He hopes sharing his story, as hard as it is, will help others reach out for help. 

Read TVNZ’s interview with Mates in Construction chief executive

Watch Richard Hepi’s video from appearance on Breakfast