You make a formal complaint to a broadcaster under section 6(1)(a). If the complaint is justified, the broadcaster takes action and tells you in writing what they did. If the complaint is not justified, the broadcaster tells you their decision in writing. When the broadcaster notifies you, they also tell you about your right to refer the matter to the Authority under section 8 for an investigation and review.

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This page was last updated on 27 October 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM157420.

Topics:

Media and communications > Complaints about broadcastingConsumer protection > Resolving consumer complaints

6: Formal complaints about programmes, or

"How to make a formal complaint about a TV or radio programme"

8: Right of complainant to refer formal complaint to Authority, or

"How to take your complaint to the Authority if you're not happy with a broadcaster's decision"

Part 2Complaints

7Decisions in respect of formal complaints

If a complaint under section 6(1)(a) is found to be justified, in whole or in part, the broadcaster shall take appropriate action and shall notify the complainant in writing of the action taken.
If a complaint under section 6(1)(a) is found not to be justified, in whole or in part, the broadcaster shall notify the complainant in writing of the decision.
The broadcaster shall, in notifying a complainant pursuant to subsection (1) or subsection (2), give to the complainant information concerning the complainant's right, by way of referral to the Authority under section 8, to seek an investigation and review of the broadcaster's action or decision, as the case may be.