Waikato Times
The Issue
On January 22, the Waikato Times published "Murder sparks info call", about how a Hamilton city councillor was calling for neighbours to be informed if they were living next door to people with mental health problems, following the alleged murder of a Frankton woman by her neighbour. The article also included a quote from a local resident saying they were worried who might move in next and expressing their concern for their children's safety.
The Response
Dear Mr Johns,
Re: “Murder sparks info call” Waikato Times January 22
Following the recent tragedy that took place in Frankton, we acknowledge that people will be feeling a range of emotions, including grief for their loss. However, the article in your January 22 edition, “Murder sparks info call”, about a Hamilton city councillor calling for neighbours to be informed if they are living next door to people with mental health problems, is extremely disheartening.
As shown in research for the Ministry of Health’s Like Minds, Like Mine programme, 89% of New Zealanders surveyed agreed that they wanted to be as supportive as possible to people with mental illness. Part of this support includes allowing treatment for mental illness to occur in natural settings where people can begin their recovery journey without feeling singled out by their communities, of which they are fully entitled to be a part.
His suggestion is also highly impractical. One in five New Zealanders in any one year will experience mental illness, and mental illness can happen to anyone at any time. This means that, should Roger Hennebry’s suggestion be adhered to, everyone in the country is likely to be told they have neighbours who have experienced a mental health problem.
In addition, fears for the safety of children in the area are misplaced and can be an example of the misunderstanding and stigma associated with mental illness and the discrimination still faced by those who experience it.
Research has shown that the vast majority of people with experience of mental illness are no more likely than anyone else to commit a violent crime. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
The strongest risk factors for violence are not attributable to mental illness, but rather to having a past history of violence, along with alcohol misuse.
Ongoing stigma and discrimination and can result in people feeling excluded from many activities of daily living. It can result in people not seeking help when they have a mental illness for fear of being discriminated against.
Yours faithfully
Judi Clements
Chief Executive
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
The Outcome
Fears are misplaced (the letter as published)
An old debate is reignited (editorial)
You too can respond to media coverage that you believe is stigmatising or discriminatory. Visit our Media Watch section for a step-by-step guide on how to make a complaint.
