Copyright Licensing New Zealand is now Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa, a name that embraces our role as kaitiaki for the many creative voices across Aotearoa. Tāwhia means to hold firmly, not allowing something to slip away.
We help licence holders safely use works through licensing, education, and advocacy. And we make sure creators get paid.
Responses are AI generated. AI can make mistakes. Responses are not legal advice. Please double-check responses.
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Articles, guides, and FAQs on copyright in Aotearoa New Zealand. Browse by topic or submit your own question.
How we ensure rightsholders get paid when work is reproduced.
If you’re a school, business, or organisation copying published works, you should have a licence. We make it simple.
Generative AI raises serious questions for creators and rightsholders. We support the responsible development of AI, but not at the expense of creators’ rights. Rightsholders should be able to authorise use of their work, receive acknowledgement, and be compensated.
“If we are to tell New Zealand stories, we have to recognise and reward the contribution that New Zealand writers making in serving the public good. And copyright is just that, the right to our own work”
—Dame Fiona Kidman is a leading novelist, short story writer and poet. She is Dame of the New Zealand Order of Merit and was awarded an OBE for her services to literature.
Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Sound recordings, films, broadcasts, and typographical arrangements.
You don’t. Copyright is automatic and free in New Zealand. Your work is protected the moment you create it in material form.
Your statement is usually enough. If there’s a dispute, a court will consider evidence like drafts, agreements, and witnesses. It’s good practice to keep records of your creative work and agreements.
No. Copyright protects the material expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. For example, a general plot isn’t protected, but the specific details, characters, and scenes you build around it are.
If their work substantially resembles yours and they had access to it, you may have a case. Evidence matters , so keep records of your work, including dated drafts and any correspondence.
No. Sculptures on permanent public display can be photographed and reproduced in 2D without permission under NZ copyright law. For other situations, seek specific legal advice.
Generally yes. But if they painted the same scene independently rather than copying your photo, or did it for private study, there’s no infringement.
You can’t. Copyright doesn’t protect ideas. Keep it to yourself, or get advice on confidential information law before sharing.
No. You need the copyright owner’s permission.
Responses are AI generated. AI can make mistakes. Responses are not legal advice. Please double-check responses.
