Classification in New Zealand
Information for students
What the classification symbols mean
Legal requirements
Films supplied to the public in New Zealand must display NZ classification information.
Classification information is displayed in cinemas, on DVDs and Blu-rays, on film advertising material and trailers, and on services providing movies and TV shows for streaming or download. Physical things like DVDs have to have classification labels like the ones below displayed on their cases, but websites or apps sometimes display the classification symbol and descriptive note in different ways. A classification on a movie, TV series or game means the same thing wherever you see it.
Colour-coding
Classification symbols are colour coded like traffic lights.
- GREEN
- means that anyone can view. There shouldn't be any content which is inappropriate or likely to be upsetting, even for young children.
- YELLOW
- means that anyone can view, but there might be content like violence, offensive language or sexual material, which might upset some people, or be inappropriate or frightening for children.
- RED
- means restricted. Content like violence, offensive language, or sexual material may have a harmful impact on children and young people. It is illegal to give an underage person access to something with a restricted classification.
In addition to a classification symbol there is usually a descriptive note briefly explaining the nature of content that might concern viewers, for example, whether a movie, TV series or game contains violence or sex.
Do only films and games require labels?
Learn what kinds of publications we classify and which ones need to carry labels.
Unrestricted classifications
A movie, TV series or game with an unrestricted classification can be made available to anyone - and the different classification symbols give people an idea of the suitability of content for different age groups.
G - suitable for general audiences
Anyone can be shown or sold this. Movies, TV shows and games classified G should have very low levels of things like frightening scenes. However, not all G titles are intended for family audiences so it is always a good idea to look at reviews and plot information.
PG - parental guidance recommended for younger viewers
Movies, TV shows and games with a PG classification can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. It's important to remember that PG titles can be aimed at an adult audience.
M - suitable for mature audiences 16 years and over
Movies, TV shows and games with an M classification can be sold, hired, or shown to anyone. When considering whether to let a child watch or play something classified M it's a good idea to find out what the title is about - and to always remember to check the descriptive note.
Restricted classifications
The Classification Office can classify according to age or purpose, or restrict a film or game's availability to a particular audience. The following classifications are common:
It is illegal for anyone to show or sell this to someone under 13 years of age. 
R13 - restricted to people 13 years and over
R15 - restricted to people 15 years and over
It is illegal for anyone to show or sell this to someone under 15 years of age.
R16 - restricted to people 16 years and over
It is illegal for anyone to show or sell this to someone under 16 years of age.
R18 - restricted to people 18 years and over
It is illegal for anyone to show or sell this to someone under 18 years of age.
RP13 - restricted to people 13 years and over unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
It is illegal to show or sell this to someone under under 13 years of age unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
RP16 - restricted to people 16 years and over unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
It is illegal to show or sell this to someone under under 16 years of age unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
RP18 restricted to people 18 years and over unless accompanied by a parent/guardian
It is illegal to show or sell this to someone under under 18 years of age unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Classification label posters
Information explaining the meaning of classifications must be displayed in places where movies or games are supplied or exhibited to the public.
We provide posters with this information on request, and you can see them or something like them in stores and cinemas across New Zealand.
Glossary
- Classification
- A legal statement about who can have access to a publication. A classification can make a publication unrestricted (G, PG, M), restricted (RP or R), or objectionable (banned).
- TV series
- We classify content that is made available on DVD/Blu-ray video or online (but not broadcast television).