[http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Agency-Film-and-Literature-Board-of-Review-Index?OpenDocument#FAQ]

FAQs on the decision of the Film and Literature Board of Review related to 'Into the River'

The following notes are prepared by Internal Affairs. Internal Affairs has significant responsibilities in the enforcement of censorship law, but is independent of the Board of Film and Literature Review, and of the Office of Film and Literature Classification. The Department publishes information about the censorship system.

What has happened?

The Film and Literature Board of Review has placed an interim restriction order on a book; “Into the River”.

What does this mean?

This means that no one in New Zealand can distribute, or exhibit, the book.

How long will the order be in place?

Until the Board makes a further decision. The Board is scheduled to meet in October.

What penalties do people face?

If the order is breached, individuals face a fine of $3,000 and companies of $10,000.

What is the relevant law?

The Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993. Section 49 deals with restriction orders.

If I have a copy, am I breaking the law?

No. But you cannot lawfully sell or distribute the book to any other person, or exhibit it.

Can I download an e-text version or buy one from overseas?

Internal Affairs suggests that anyone proposing to do this obtain legal advice, or wait for clarification of the status of the book.

Note: the Board, as a semi-judicial authority does not normally comment on its decisions.

--

Interim Restriction Order (& Reasons): Interim_Restriction_Order_into_the_river.pdf [via]

© Scoop Media