FAQs
Each day the team in the Information Unit at the Classification Office respond to inquiries from members of the public, the film industry, and other groups. On this page we've put together answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked.
If you have a question, would like to make a complaint or just want to get in touch, email us on information@censorship.govt.nz or freephone us on 0508CENSOR (0508 236767).
- I'm not happy about a film trailer I saw - what are the rules for trailers?
- Why can't I take my baby or young child into a restricted film?
- I'm not happy about the film my child saw at school - what can I do?
- Do computer games have to be classified?
- Are television and radio covered by the Classification Act?
- Does anybody classify music?
- Can the Office classify live performances?
- How are websites censored?
I'm not happy about a film trailer I saw - what are the rules for trailers?
The Classification Office often receives complaints about the screening of 'inappropriate' trailers before unrestricted (G, PG and M rated) films. These trailers may include content or themes that parents feel are not suitable viewing for children and young people who are the likely audience of many unrestricted films.
Trailers come under the definition of 'film' in the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993, and so are required to have their own classification. Depending on the content of a trailer, it may be classified as unrestricted – even if the film it advertises is restricted. The Act requires that cinema operators display the classification information for both films and trailers either in the lobby or outside the cinema.
The film industry has agreed with New Zealand censorship agencies that, prior to screening a children's feature film, they will show trailers for films that are appropriate for the audience. For example, a G rated children's film should only have trailers for G or PG rated children's films before it.
If you consider that the screening of a particular trailer is inappropriate, you should approach the manager of the cinema with your concerns. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can contact the Inspectors of Publications at the Censorship Compliance Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Why can't I take my baby or young child into a restricted film?
Under the Classification Act, babies or young children may not attend a film that is restricted. Cinemas are liable for large fines if they allow you to view a restricted film with your baby. There are no exceptions to this, even for very young babies.
These restrictions also apply to films in the home. It is an offence under the Act to show a child a film that has a restriction higher than the age of the child.
You can read more about the offences in our Plain English Guide to the Offence Provisions.
I'm not happy about the film my child saw at school - what can I do?
It is illegal for a teacher or a school to exhibit a restricted film to students under the age of the restriction – even if a film is being used for educational purposes or a parent or guardian has given their permission. Schools are liable for large fines if they break this law.
If you are unhappy with the choice of film shown to your children, you should raise the issue with the school or Board of Trustees.
The Office recommends that schools seek approval from parents/guardians for any film they intend to screen, particularly if a film has a PG or M rating, indicating that some of the content may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Do computer games have to be classified?
Under section 8 of the Classification Act, games are not required to carry a New Zealand classification label – unless the game would be likely to be restricted if it was examined and classified.
If you think that a particular game should be classified and it has not been, you can forward your concerns to the Inspectors of Publications at the Censorship Compliance Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs. Alternatively, you may, with the leave of the Chief Censor, submit a publication to the Office for a classification decision. You can read more about this process on the Submitting a Publication page.
Are television and radio covered by the Classification Act?
Television and radio are not covered by the Classification Act. The Office has no authority over what is shown on television or played on the radio.
Any questions or concerns related to television or radio should be directed, in the first instance, to the television or radio station concerned. Television and radio stations are accountable to the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
The one exception is films that have been banned or have had cuts made to them. Television stations may not broadcast banned films, or show uncut versions of films that have been cut, without special permission from the Chief Censor.
Does anybody classify music?
Music recordings do not have to be classified and labelled, but the Classification Office will classify music if it is submitted.
Most of the labels you see on music (such as "content may offend" or "parental guidance recommended") are put there by music retailers or distributors to indicate content that could be offensive or unsuitable for some listeners.
If you are concerned about the content of a particular music recording, you can contact the Inspectors of Publications at the Censorship Compliance Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs
Alternatively, you may, with the leave of the Chief Censor, submit the recording to the Classificaiton Office. You can read more about this process on the Submitting a Publication page.
Can the Office classify live performances?
Live performances do not fall under the definition of 'publication' in the Classification Act and therefore cannot be classified by the Office, or investigated by the Inspectors of Publications. If you have concerns about a live performance, you should contact the local Police.
How are websites censored?
If a website is hosted on a server located in New Zealand, it must conform to the Act.
Websites hosted by overseas providers are not subject to New Zealand law, although they must conform to any local law relating to website content.
Any material you download from a website onto a computer in New Zealand is covered by the Act, and may be subject to investigation by the Censorship Compliance Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs, whether or not the website is hosted in New Zealand.
The following are some useful contacts for anyone setting up a website in New Zealand:
Censorship Compliance Unit
PO Box 805, Wellington
Phone: 0800 257 887
www.censorship.dia.govt.nz
Email: censorship@dia.govt.nz
Censorship Compliance monitor the availability of objectionable material in New Zealand. They can give you more information about enforcing the law relating to the supply of explicit sexual material.
New Zealand Customs Service
PO Box 2218, Wellington
Phone: 0800 428 786
www.customs.govt.nz
Email: feedback@customs.govt.nz
The New Zealand Customs Service are responsible for enforcing the censorship law at New Zealand's borders.
Netsafe
PO Box 105-817, Auckland
Phone: 0508 638 723
www.netsafe.org.nz
Email: queries@netsafe.org.nz
Netsafe, the programme of New Zealand's Internet Safety Group (ISG) provides cybersafety education for all New Zealanders.
Internet Society of New Zealand
ISOCNZ has a Code of Practice for ISPs that contains information about what material should be avoided on New Zealand websites. They also have some material on the business aspects of websites.
For more information, refer to the Internet Classification page.