Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993

Preliminary provisions

4: Classification of publications a matter of expert judgment

You could also call this:

"Experts decide if a publication is okay or not"

Illustration for Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993

You decide if a publication is objectionable or not. You use your expert judgment to make this decision. You consider what the law says, like in section 23(2), when you make your decision. You look at any evidence you have when making your decision.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM313419.

This page was last updated on 8 December 2025 — View changes

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Part 1Preliminary provisions

4Classification of publications a matter of expert judgment

The question whether or not a publication is objectionable or should in accordance with section 23(2) be given a classification other than objectionable is a matter for the expert judgment of the person or body authorised or required, by or pursuant to this Act, to determine it, and evidence as to, or proof of, any of the matters or particulars that the person or body is required to consider in determining that question is not essential to its determination.
Without limiting subsection (1), where evidence as to, or proof of, any such matters or particulars is available to the body or person concerned, that body or person shall take that evidence or proof into consideration.

Notes

Section 4 heading: amended, on 22 February 2005, by section 7(1) of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 2).
Section 4(1): amended, on 22 February 2005, by section 7(2) of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 2).