What's new?
Here you'll find information on new resources recently added to the site.
Censor for a Day Term 3 2011
Senior Media Studies students in Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North watched the film Fright Night – find out what classification the students thought the film should have.
Read more about the recent Censor for a Day event
Updated October 2011
New Research from the Classification Office - Guidance and Protection: What New Zealanders want from the Classification system for films and games
Group discussions are a great way to find out what people think about a topic. Focus groups allow people to share their thoughts and opinions, and respond to what other people have to say. To find out what people want and need from the classification system, we ran four focus groups. This research presents the views of 23 participants who told us what they think of the current classification system, how they use it in making decisions about films and games for themselves and young people, and what their ideal classification system would look like.
The study expands on the findings of a major survey: Understanding the Classification System – New Zealanders’ Views, published in June 2011
Added July 2011
New Research from the Classification Office - Understanding the Classification System: New Zealanders' Views
It is important for the Classification Office to know what people think about New Zealand's censorship system and how much they understand it. If nobody understood or agreed with the classification system, it might be a bit pointless having one. In 2011 the Classification Office updated its research on the New Zealand public's understanding of the classification system. This research is important as it allows the Classification Office to gauge how well it is meeting the public's expections and needs.
Check out the new research to see what New Zealanders think about the current classification system
Added June 2011
the Censor's Log
Check here for monthly updated links to articles from New Zealand and around the world covering censorship (or censorship related) news, opinions, controversies and updates on the latest research. The Log answers questions about censorship you might never have thought to ask.
Updated November 2011
New research about violent video games (usa) and New zealanders' use of media entertainment (nz)
How do games affect players? Researchers from around the world are looking for answers. New research from two American universities look into the possible effects of violent video games. One study also showed that 'relaxing' video games made players kinder and more helpful to others.
Statistics New Zealand has released a report about how New Zealanders spend their time, including how much they watch movies and play games.
Read about these new studies in our research section
Updated June 2011
New case studies!
Films
127 Hours (RP16), 2011
20th Century Fox Film Distribution, the distributor of 127 Hours, disagreed with the R16 (content that may disturb) classification given to the film by the Classification Office. They applied to the Film and Literature Board of Review to have the Classification Office's decision reviewed. The Board made the film RP16 (graphic content may disturb).
Added May 2011
Paul (R13), 2011
In March 2011 Paramount Pictures submitted the comedy film Paul for classification. After applying the classification criteria set out in the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993, the Office of Film and Literature Classification classified the film R13 with the descriptive note 'contains violence, offensive language and sexual references'.
Added May 2011
Games
Dead or Alive: Dimensions
The Chief Censor called this game in for classification against New Zealand's criteria after concerns about sexual content in the game. Learn about the classification law was applied to this game.
More on Dead or Alive: Dimensions
Added September 2011
New FAQ: Do I need ID to get into a restricted film?
We have recently had people inquiring about proof-of-age ID requirements for young people attending cinema films and so we've provided information about this in our FAQs section.
Read more about cinemas' proof of age requirements
Updated April 2011
Useful Information for Level 1 Media Studies
In 2011 Media Studies is being introduced for NCEA Level 1 students. To help you with your assignments on standard 1.7: Demonstrate an understanding of the rules that govern the media in New Zealand we have gathered together information from around the site that will be of use.
Check out the information for Level 1 Media Studies
Updated January 2011
New Research! Young People's Use of Entertainment Mediums 2010
In this research you can read about young New Zealanders use of entertainment media - things like how often they watch DVDs and play video games, what they use their mobile phones for, and what factors influence them when choosing films and games. This Classification Office also did research on this topic in 2006, so the new report shows how there have been some changes in the way young people use entertainment media.
Read more about the new research
Updated August 2010
New DVD resource for Teachers: Censorship in New Zealand
This free DVD has been designed for teachers and students who can't attend one of our Censor for a Day events, or who want a refresher on how the classification system works. It features former Chief Censor Bill Hastings explaining New Zealand's classification law and incorporates clips from films and video games.
Find out more about this new resource on the classification system
Added March 2010
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