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Experts are concerned about contagious suicides because of reports of the Polkinghorne incident, although the Department of Health would not say whether it believed there were any such suspected cases.
“The suicide prevention unit is particularly concerned about further deaths associated with this case and has therefore initiated interventions to monitor for any related deaths, particularly through a detailed description approach,” Papali wrote.
Director of Population Mental Health, University of Auckland Dr. Sarah Fortune “… I consider that repeated reporting, including detailed photographs of means associated with suicide, is likely to have contributed to an increase in the number of suicide deaths in New Zealand. I consider that this being a criminal case, compared to the case before the Coroner’s Court, has no material impact on the likelihood of suicide contagion.”
But these concerns conflict with the principle of open justice and the media’s responsibility and obligation to serve as the eyes and ears of the public and to report the prosecution and defense cases fairly and accurately.
justice Graham Long Once again, these principles were upheld.
He said in a statement on Tuesday that he acknowledged the experts’ concerns.
“However, my ability to intervene in the way cases are reported is very limited. In this case, I can only attach a copy of the memorandum I issued on August 2, 2024 in response to Mark Wilson On behalf of the Mental Health Foundation. ”
At the time, Judge Long said he did not intend to give any instructions to the news media.
“Simply put, the court has no authority to dictate how accredited news organizations report on court proceedings,” he wrote.
“This reflects that these organisations are the primary means of reporting court proceedings, thereby making them transparent to society at large. The courts will usually only intervene where proceedings are being reported in a way that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a fair trial or raise wider concerns about the administration of the criminal justice process. The reporting of the proceedings in this case has not raised any of these principles.
“Accordingly, I do not intend to provide any instructions or recommendations to news media organizations regarding how they should report on this case in the future.”
Wilson has previously written to the High Court: “Such detailed forensic evidence could increase the risk to someone who is suicidal. Most worryingly, New Zealand Herald It includes witness accounts, photos and videos, as well as details of common suicide methods in New Zealand.”
He asked the court whether there is “discretion in the publication of videos/photos or reports, especially during live broadcasts, New Zealand Herald and other things”.
“The immediacy of this reporting often sounds sensational and often contains graphic details. Such widespread dissemination can lead to deaths by suicide.”
In an earlier email to the court, New Zealand Herald Publisher NZME denied its reporting was sensational or explicit.
General Counsel, NZME Genevieve O’Halloran The “media discretion” the foundation seeks goes beyond “responsible reporting.” New Zealand Herald It has demonstrated and undermined the ability of our journalists to cover murder trials”.
“this New Zealand Herald Recognize that trial coverage may be disturbing to readers,” O’Halloran wrote.
“So the warning was placed at the top of the text coverage and before the video coverage. Its coverage of the trial was neither sensational nor graphic; it was simply straight reporting of the proceedings.”
O’Halloran said one of the key issues for the jury to determine was whether Polkinghorne’s defence was adequately proven.
“We generally exercise caution when reporting on content that may be upsetting to our readers. However, this is balanced with our duty as court reporters to accurately and faithfully convey the defense and prosecutors’ cases. The public has a keen interest in our ability to fulfill that duty.”
Opinion: Report responsibly and impartially
Media companies take their responsibilities of court coverage seriously.
Last week’s case is an example: During cross-examination, Ron Mansfield KC – for Polkinghorne – paused to tell Judge Lang that the evidence he was about to cite was sensitive and urged the media to proceed with caution. The judge agreed that caution should be exercised.
During the rest of the questioning, the media—including New Zealand Herald In live coverage, very limited details were reported.
The company issued a statement through a media consultant saying: Sanjana GeorgeThe Ministry of Health said it supports a “fair and open media”.
“While the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate for us to comment. The role of the ministry is to provide information about the methods of suicide discussed in the media and our letter is intended to make this information known to the judge. The ministry respects the independence of the courts and does not intend to take any further action.”
Contributing Editor Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial positions at NZME, including editor-in-chief, editor of the NZ Herald and editor of the Herald on Sunday, and holds a minority stake in NZME.
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