The former chief executive of Pike River Coal has withdrawn his offer to meet with the families of the 29 men who died when the mine exploded three years ago.
A prosecution against him was dropped last week and he later offered to meet with the families.
In a statement released this morning, Peter Whitall says he offered the meeting in good faith in the hope of achieving some reconciliation by personally expressing his sympathy.
But he says this offer was met with attacks, some of them inappropriate and derogatory, and threats of private prosecution and litigation.
He says his lawyers have now advised him not to hold such a meeting, and he has reluctantly accepted their advice.
Despite this, Peter Whittall says he may be prepared to consider a meeting at a later date.