Sedition

This project was a review of New Zealand's seditious offences. The Commission made proposals for changes to the law that were necessary and desirable in the 2007 Report, Reforming the Law of Sedition.

The Commission will review the existing seditious offences set out in sections 80 to 85 of the Crimes Act 1961, and make proposals for any changes to the New Zealand law that are necessary and desirable. 

The matters to be considered by the Commission will include: 

(a) Relevant existing and proposed legislation, including the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990; 
(b) Developments in other comparable jurisdictions; 
(c) Any other relevant matters.

Reforming the Law of Sedition (NZLC R96, 2007)

The Commission's Report, Reforming the Law of Sedition (NZLC R96, 2007) recommends that the seditious offences in sections 81-85 of the Crimes Act 1961 be repealed.

Recommendations were implemented in the Crimes (Repeal of Seditious Offences) Act 2007.

There was no requirement for the Government to present a formal response to Commission reports before April 2009.

See Official Government response process | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).