Reviews and Reconsiderations
If you are unhappy with a decision made by the Classification Office there are two options open to you: in the case of a recently classified publication (such as a film) you can seek leave for a review by the Film and Literature Board of Review; in the case of a publication which is out of time for review by the Board, you can, under specific circumstances, seek leave to have the classification reconsidered by the Classification Office.
NB: Distributers and others with a special interest should read Reviewing Decisions in the Industry section.
The Board of Review
A member of the public can apply for a review by seeking the leave of the Secretary for Internal Affairs. The Board of Review is an independent appeals body administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.
The Board can only review publications that have previously been classified in New Zealand.
Applications for review must be lodged within 20 working days of the date of publication of the list of decisions in which the decision appears. (If you are unsure of this date, please contact us.)
Applications should be sent to the Department of Internal Affairs and should include:
- A copy of the publication to be reviewed (if possible)
- A submission form and the correct fee (available from the Department of Internal Affairs)
For more information contact the Board of Review at boardofreview@dia.govt.nz.
The Board of Review will review the publication against the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993; it will not review the decision made by the Classification Office. The Board will then issue a new decision which replaces the decision of the Classification Office.
Reconsideration by the Classification Office
A member of the public can apply to the Chief Censor to have a classification decision reconsidered under the following circumstances:
- The publication was classified three or more years ago; or
- a publication has been substantially altered since the original classification decision; or
- you can satisfy the Chief Censor that there are special circumstances that justify reconsideration of the decision.
Your application to the Chief Censor should include:
- A copy of the publication to be reconsidered (if possible)
- Any advertising material associated with the publication
- An application form (PDF v6.0, 167kb) and a $25 fee
Your reasons for applying for a reconsideration should be noted in the application form.
If you apply for a reconsideration of a publication which was classified less than three years ago you should include a cover letter outlining either:
- How the publication has been altered; or
- Any special circumstances justifying reconsideration
More information on reviews and reconsiderations can be found in the information sheet Censorship: Having Your Say (PDF v7.0, 177K).
If you are not sure whether a publication has been classified, or are unsure of the classification date, contact the Information Unit.