Media Classification
1. Who classifies media content in New Zealand?
Two organisations are involved:
The Film and Video Labelling Body (FVLB) gives unrestricted ratings (G, PG, M).
The Classification Office (formerly the Office of Film and Literature Classification) decides whether content should be restricted (R13, R16, R18, etc.) or banned as objectionable.
The current Chief Censor is Caroline Flora.
2. What issues does the Classification Office have to consider?
The Classification Office considers whether content is likely to be harmful or injurious to the public good.
They pay particular attention to:
Violence
Sexual content
Crime
Horror
Cruelty
Offensive language
Drug use
Suicide themes
Harmful or dangerous behaviour
The likely impact on children and young people
Freedom of expression versus public safety
Content that promotes or supports things such as child sexual exploitation, torture, extreme violence, bestiality, or necrophilia can be banned as objectionable.
3. What legislation are they bound by?
The Classification Office operates under the:
Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993
This law sets out:
How publications are classified
What can be restricted or banned
The criteria used when making classification decisions
The powers of the Chief Censor
4. What is the process?
A film, game, or publication is submitted for classification.
The FVLB usually gives unrestricted ratings (G, PG, M).
If content may need restrictions, it is sent to the Classification Office.
The Classification Office assesses:
Themes
Violence
Sex
Language
Drug use
Potential harm to viewers
The Office decides whether the content should be:
Unrestricted
Restricted (R13, R16, R18, etc.)
Objectionable (banned)
A classification label and content warnings are issued.
Anyone unhappy with a decision can request a review by the Film and Literature Board of Review.
5. What classifications do we have in New Zealand?
Unrestricted
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G | Suitable for general audiences |
| PG | Parental guidance recommended |
| M | Suitable for mature audiences (16+) but not legally restricted |
Restricted
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RP13 | Under 13 only with parent/guardian |
| R13 | Restricted to 13+ |
| R15 | Restricted to 15+ |
| RP16 | Under 16 only with parent/guardian |
| R16 | Restricted to 16+ |
| RP18 | Under 18 only with parent/guardian |
| R18 | Restricted to 18+ |
| R | Special restrictions apply |
Objectionable
Illegal to possess, distribute, sell, or show.
Considered harmful to the public good.
6. Case Studies
13 Reasons Why (2017)
Why was it controversial?
The series sparked international concern because it contained:
Suicide themes
Sexual assault
Mental health issues
Critics worried it could influence vulnerable young people.
New Zealand's decision
The Chief Censor specifically reviewed the show and created a new classification:
RP18
This meant viewers under 18 could only watch with a parent or guardian.
Netflix was required to display this classification in New Zealand.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
The Passion of the Christ
Why was it controversial?
The film generated debate because of:
Extremely graphic violence
Depictions of the crucifixion of Jesus
Concerns from some religious and community groups about its content and themes
Many countries debated whether younger audiences should be allowed to watch it.
New Zealand's decision
The Classification Office consulted religious experts before making a decision.
It was ultimately classified:
R16
due to its strong violence.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
A Clockwork Orange
Why was it controversial?
The film contains:
Sexual violence
Crime
Brutal violence
Disturbing themes
It was banned or heavily restricted in several countries and was withdrawn from UK cinemas for many years following controversy.
New Zealand's decision
The film was eventually allowed in New Zealand with an:
R18 classification
because of its strong violent and sexual content.
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool
Why was it controversial?
Many people assumed it was a typical superhero film, but it contains:
Strong violence
Sexual references
Frequent offensive language
Adult humour
Parents in some countries complained after taking young children to see it.
New Zealand's decision
The film received:
R16
because of its strong violence, sex references, and language.
Conclusion
New Zealand's classification system aims to balance freedom of expression with protecting the public from harmful content. The Classification Office uses the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993 to assess material and decide whether it should be unrestricted, restricted, or banned. The case studies of 13 Reasons Why, The Passion of the Christ, A Clockwork Orange, and Deadpool show how controversial content is handled differently depending on the potential harm and the age of the audience.
Comments
Post a Comment