A New Zealand radio station reported this week that New Zealand’s Cancer Society appears to be saying “thanks, but no thanks” to the New Zealand tanning community’s offer to work together to discuss joint strategies aimed at lowering skin cancer incidence.

According to NewsTalk 89.4 in Auckland, “Dr Judith Galtry from the Cancer Society says it would be irresponsible to change the sun protection message. She says the Cancer Society would find it difficult to work with an organization that does not share its vision.”

Is that the real issue? Maybe not.

“Generally, Big Dermatology and Sun Scare back away from any kind of level playing field. If we sit in a room with them and talk facts away from the spotlight, their mis-statements no longer fly,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “The facts support the tanning community’s responsible, balanced message. So their public statements backing away from such a meeting are not surprising.”

New Zealand’s association — called INTANZ — has issued press releases saying it would cooperate in efforts to find constructive solutions and even regulation for the tanning market there.

To read a transcript of the radio station’s story click here.