The Media Freedom Committee, which comprises five major accredited news media companies - TVNZ, Stuff, Mediaworks, NZME and RNZ - has agreed to a guideline they will adhere around the reporting of the trial of the man accused of the shooting at two Christchurch mosques on 15 March 2019.

"As editors we are mindful of the public interest in the trial, in New Zealand and internationally," the committee says.

"We are also mindful of our role as the “eyes and ears of the public” in the context of court reporting. In this instance, we acknowledge the particular importance of this function, given the many victims’ friends and families outside New Zealand who may otherwise be unable to engage in the trial process."

The main protocol is to limit any coverage of statements, that actively champion white supremacist or terrorist ideology.