26 March 2007

Media release: for immediate release

Commission condemns discrimination

The Mental Health Commission is extremely concerned about the tone of a Sunday newspaper article concerning a man with experience of mental illness who was employed at the Auckland Zoo.

“The front page story under the sensationalist bold headline ‘Killer works at Zoo’ is blatant discrimination,” says Chair Commissioner, Ruth Harrison.

The man at the centre of the story has been undergoing treatment at the Mason Clinic for several years. As part of his treatment programme he has been employed to work part time by a rehabilitation organisation, Second Chance.

“Now as a result of a newspaper beat-up story he has lost that job.

“Research has told us that discrimination is one of the most important factors affecting a person’s ability to recover from mental illness.

“This is a very clear example of how media coverage of mental health issues can cause great damage to a person’s chance of recovery.

“Everyone, whether they are going through the criminal justice or health system has a right to rebuild their lives.

“Why should this man be denied that chance?

“He deserves a fair go now. Our forensic services in New Zealand are world class and have an outstanding record of treatment and rehabilitation.

“Patients leave these services with carefully thought out plans for integration into the community, which are carried out in a slow and careful manner.

“People’s ability to find meaningful work is an important part of their rehabilitation.

“For this man, as is the case with any of us, the opportunity to contribute to society in a positive way, such as through paid work, is a key ingredient of good health and wellbeing.” Ruth Harrison said.

ENDS

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