Useful links
Broadcasting Standards Authority – the agency that determines complaints against television and radio broadcasts. You can search decisions and read the broadcasting codes. You can also find out how to make a complaint (you have to write to the broadcaster first).
Press Council – the agency that determines complaints against newspapers and magazines. You can search decisions and read the Statement of Principles. There is also information about how to make complaints (you have to write to the newspaper first).
Advertising Standards Authority – the agency that determines complaints against advertisements. You can search decisions and read the various advertising codes. There is information about how to make a complaint.
Office of Film and Literature Classification – the censor’s office. The website explains the censorship law and process, and explains your rights to have something classified.
Official Information Act practice guidelines – a comprehensive guide to the workings of the Official Information Act. Most importantly, they give an indication of the circumstances in which information can be withheld. And check out the section on common misunderstandings.
Courts of New Zealand – provides background information to the main courts in New Zealand and posts recent decisions of interest.
Mediascape – an educational website that brings together information about the structure, ownership, regulation and performance of the New Zealand media.
Bill of Rights Act vets – the advice from the Crown Law Office and the Ministry of Justice to the government about whether bills appear to be inconsistent with the NZ Bill of Rights Act. This includes reports to Parliament by the Attorney-General when it is concluded that the bill is inconsistent.
Laws 179: Elephants and the Law – smart analysis of topical legal issues from my friend and colleague at VUW, Dean Knight. He’s particularly good on local government and constitutional issues.