Parody and satire laws set for overhaul.
Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter has pulled her Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill from the ballot, aiming to bring New Zealand's copyright law up-to-date with international standards. The proposed amendment seeks to protect artists and creatives who use parody or satire in their work, a right currently lacking under the 1994 Copyright Act.
The bill aligns New Zealand's laws with those of developed countries such as Australia, the United States, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. According to Carter, this change is necessary to acknowledge the evolving nature of copyright works in the internet age. She argues that satire plays a vital role in public discourse and democracy, allowing creatives to comment on issues without fear of legal repercussions.
Carter believes that the bill will protect freedom of speech by enabling artists to use copyright works for parody or satire purposes. If passed, big companies won't be able to sue artists for making humorous content. The MP is calling on parties across the House to support the bill at its First Reading early next year, also seeking enthusiastic backing from the Free Speech Union.
The amendment recognises that New Zealand's current copyright legislation is outdated and must adapt to the changing world of internet accessibility and freedom of information.