A long-awaited apology from Dunedin student magazine Critic over an article about homeless people in Dunedin has finally made it into print.
In this week's issue, editor Ben Thomson apologises for an article published in May, which named three people with mental-health issues.
They are well known for frequenting central city streets and the magazine discussed their appearances and habits.
In another part of the same edition, students were asked to nominate which of the three they would have sex with, kill or marry.
The article prompted complaints to the Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Foundation, the Privacy Commission, Dunedin police, lawyers, the university's vice-chancellor and the Press Council.
Mr Thomson said it was "unflattering and, upon reflection, it was uncaring, rude, obnoxious, and unnecessary".
"I apologise to the three individuals that were humiliated and hurt.
"And I am also sorry to our readers whom we let down.
"I can assure you we've all learnt from the experience.
"We successfully perpetuated a bunch of myths, when what we should've done was debunk them."
Mr Thomson said the article set out to explore some of the myths and stories that many students associate with the "characters".
He said it was always difficult trying to engage students, but in this instance the magazine "completely misjudged where the line was".
Mental health advocate Graham Roper was not impressed with the apology.
"They appear to be proud of the ire their article has raised in the community.
"Their apology reflects the nature of the magazine.
"I didn't expect them to come up with something substantial in terms of an apology."
This week's magazine contains a feature article by a medical student which sets out to debunk the myths.
