Reviews
If you disagree with the classification assigned to a publication, you can apply to the Film and Literature Board of Review to have the classification reviewed. A member of the public can apply to have a censorship decision reviewed only with the permission of the Secretary for Internal Affairs. The Board of Review will review the publication rather than the original decision, and make an entirely new decision based on its own examination of the publication.
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 the publication date, please contact the Office.)
Applications should be forwarded to the Department of Internal Affairs and should include:
- A copy of the publication to be reviewed
- A submission form and the correct fee (available from the Department of Internal Affairs)
The Board of Review is completely separate and independent from the Office.
When reviewing a publication, the Board will apply the same criteria that the Classification Office uses when making a decision. By law, the Board is not allowed to have regard to the decision of the Office.
Getting a decision reconsidered
A member of the public can apply to have a censorship decision reconsidered only with the permission of the Chief Censor.
A decision may be reconsidered if:
- The publication was classified three or more years ago; or
- A film has been substantially altered since the original classification decision; or
- The Chief Censor is satisfied that there are special circumstances that justify reconsideration of the decision.
Your application should include:
- A copy of the publication to be reconsidered
- Any advertising material associated with the publication
- An application form (PDF v6.0, 167kb) and a $25 fee
- A covering letter (optional) outlining:
- Why you want the publication reconsidered
- How the film has been altered if applicable
- Any special circumstances justifying reconsideration
If you are not sure whether a publication has been classified, or are unsure of the classification date, contact the Information Unit.