When there is media interest

A crime, serious incident, unexpected death, or court case may attract media attention. This can be overwhelming and confusing. 

Before saying anything publicly, it may help to get support or advice. In some cases, there may be limits on what can be shared. For example, there may be suppression orders, privacy concerns, or other legal restrictions.

You can contact Manaaki Tāngata, Victim Support for help.  

• Website: Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support(external link)
• Phone: 0800 842 846

Media organisations are responsible for checking what they can legally publish. You do not need to work this out on your own. 

Media may contact you for: 

• details about what happened
• comment about the incident or people involved
• background information
• an interview
• photos
• video or audio.

They may also contact your family, whānau, friends, neighbours, workmates, or other people connected to what happened.

For cases that attract public and media attention, you may consider having a spokesperson for the whānau or affected people.  

This person may have prior experience with public speaking or engaging with the media and feel comfortable to take on this role.  

Whatever you choose, you do not need to explain your decisions to journalists.

You can say “no comment” or ask media to direct all questions to police.

It may be easier to respond by text, email, or message instead of by phone. This can give you more time and control over what you say, particularly if you are feeling overwhelmed by events.

You can use voicemail or messaging to screen calls. This can help you avoid answering a call from someone you do not want to speak to.

You might want to say:

• “I do not want to comment.”
• “Please do not contact me again.”
• “Please contact police.”
• “Please contact my support person.”
• “Our whānau has chosen one person to speak for us.”

You have the right to decide what is right for you and your whānau or family.

Media may still report what happened

Even if you do not speak to media, there may be reporting about the event.

New Zealand courts work from the principle of open justice. This means members of the public and media can attend most court cases, and media can report on what happens in court.

Some information may not be published because of:

• automatic suppressions
• suppression or non-publication orders
• media standards and ethics relating to graphic or upsetting content
• sub judice rules – it is an offence to intentionally publish or disseminate information that creates a real risk of prejudice to their right to a fair trial. 

More information about media in courts(external link) on the Ministry of Justice website

There are lots of reasons you might choose to speak with media to tell your story, and different ways to do it.  

You might choose to:

• give a written statement
• ask for questions in advance
• arrange an interview for a time that suits you
• ask someone else to be with you
• ask a support person to help you prepare
• choose one spokesperson for your family or whānau.

You do not need to answer straight away. You can take time before deciding what to say.

After a very serious crime or incident, a police officer may be able to help you, your family and whānau prepare a written statement. 

Different types of media have different ways of doing an interview. It is important that you understand how they want to do the interview, how they will share it, and that you are comfortable with being part of it.

You can have a support person with you when arranging media interviews, so that they can help you ask questions and prepare for the interview.     

During an interview 

You should assume anything you say to media may be recorded or used.

If you are not comfortable being recorded, tell the journalist before the interview starts – or discuss beforehand that you would prefer to give a statement in another form.

At any time during the process, you can:

• ask for a break
• stop the interview
• say you will call or message them back
• ask to delay the interview
• ask for someone else to speak for you.

Try not to answer questions in the moment if you feel pressured, rushed, or unsure.

You can take time before responding.  If you are emotionally affected by the interview, it is okay to ask to pause to gather your thoughts, or to take a break.

Media will often want to have copies of photos to further illustrate and tell the story of what has happened. This could be things like:

• photos
• videos
• audio
• written messages
• personal documents
• social media posts. 

It can be helpful to talk this through with your whānau or family, your support person or someone that you trust. Once media have this information, they may use it again later.  

You may not get to approve the final story before it is published or broadcast.

Materials you share can help tell your side of the story – but it is important to be aware that they may be used in future stories, or during coverage of a court case or other justice proceedings.  

You can take time to talk with whānau or family, or a support person before deciding what you will share. 

It can be upsetting if media report something that does not match your experience. You can ask media to correct information that is factually incorrect.

Media have an obligation to tell both sides of a story.  This might mean it includes a person’s opinion or version of events that is different from yours and that can be distressing. 

A complaint about media must be made with the publisher or broadcaster first. If you are not satisfied with their response, or you do not get a response, you can make a complaint to:  

• the New Zealand Media Council(external link) for complaints about member print and digital media
• the Broadcasting Standards Authority(external link) for complaints about broadcasting. 

Some information is protected from media publication. This may be because it is automatically protected by the law. This is known as a statutory prohibition.

This means their name, address, occupation, and identifying details must not be published unless the court allows publication under the law.  

• Information about name suppression
• Information about name suppression including waving name suppression in cases of sexual violence(external link)