- Censorship Compliance
- How to Make a Complaint
- Amendment Act 2005
- Censorship and the Internet
- Child Safety Online
- Internet and Website Filter (known as the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System)
- What is 'Objectionable'?
- How to Review Internet Activity
- ISPs and Internet Safety
- Anti-Virus and Family Protection Software
- Film and Video Classification
- Press Releases
- Useful Links
- How to Contact Us
Services › Censorship Compliance › Amendment Act 2005
New Zealand's censorship regime is governed by the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993, which was amended by the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Amendment Act 2005.
Among other things, the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Amendment Act 2005 introduces a number of significant changes to the enforcement provisions of the principal Act in relation objectionable publications, images and other such material.
As amended, a person who knowingly trades, distributes or makes objectionable materials now faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Previously the penalty for this offence was limited to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year.
The penalties for knowingly being in possession of objectionable materials have also increased to either a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine of up to $50,000.
Powers of search and seizure under the Act have also been increased. As amended, the Act now empowers Inspectors of Publications to obtain search warrants where they have evidence that a suspect is knowingly in possession of objectionable material.
