"Case-by-case expose" stories about suicide were not the intention of new guidelines loosening restrictions around its reporting, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says.
In a statement to the Otago Daily Times, Mr Dunne said he agreed in part with concerns expressed in a strongly-worded editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal, in which two academics warn the new guidelines risk increasing suicides.
Prof David Fergusson, of the University of Otago (Christchurch), and Dr Annette Beautrais, of Auckland, said New Zealand was diverging from international best practice.
Mr Dunne said he did not agree.
The September 21 editorial was discussed at a recent meeting between Mr Dunne, Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean and the Prime Minister's chief science adviser, Sir Peter Gluckman.
"I have to say I share Prof Fergusson's view around the lack of constructive reporting, and the ongoing focus on reporting which fails to explore the underlying issues, warning signs and positive approaches to address the issue and instead takes a simple 'human interest' approach," he said.
"The calls for increased openness around reporting of suicide, such as those made by the chief coroner, have been a call for more responsible reporting in a fashion that encourages awareness and positive, healthy responses; not a case-by-case expose that seems to be the approach taken by many in the media."
Mr Dunne's spokesman said he would not comment further.
Judge MacLean, who has called for more discussion around suicide, said yesterday he shared concerns some reporting he was seeing was not what had been intended.
Of particular concern was the use of photographs of suicide victims.
Judge MacLean said he and Mr Dunne were steering through the "extremes" of the debate, with academics on one side, and the media on the other.
Media commentator Associate Prof Jim Tully, of Canterbury University, said Mr Dunne needed to point to specific examples of irresponsible reporting if he was going to criticise the media.
New Zealand's media took its role seriously, and was responsible in its approach to suicide, he said.
The guidelines were developed last year by a roundtable convened by Mr Dunne as minister responsible for suicide prevention, the Ministry of Health's website says.
Newspaper Publishers' Association chief executive Tim Pankhurst said given Mr Dunne's supportive role in developing the guidelines, he was surprised by his comments.
The guidelines appeared to be working as intended, and the media was doing its job in reporting suicide.
