Make a formal complaint
If you are concerned about the content of a television programme, the law entitles you to complain and ensures that your complaint will be taken seriously. Through the process of Formal Complaints, viewers and listeners play an influential part in the maintenance of broadcasting standards.
Advertising
If you are concerned about the content of an ad you should direct your complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Election Programmes
The Election Programmes Code only covers 'election programmes' that are broadcast during the general election period. 'Election programmes' will most commonly be identifiable advertisements for political parties and/or candidates or opening/closing addresses. Click election programme for more information or to make a complaint about an election programme.
How do I make a formal complaint?
Use the form below to make a formal complaint to TVNZ about a television programme on TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, TVNZ DUKE (note that formal complaints must be received by TVNZ within 20 working days of programme screening).
With the exception of complaints about breaches of privacy (which may be sent directly to the Broadcasting Standards Authority at PO Box 9213, Wellington), you must write to the broadcaster in the first instance.
Complaints about online news and current affairs material and programmes on TVNZ+ can also be made using the form below. Complaints about online news and current affairs material must be received within one calendar month from the date of publication.
You can make a complaint about programmes on TVNZ+ if you believe that the programme has been incorrectly classified. You will need to provide the link to the programme, a specific example of the footage you believe is not consistent with the classification assigned, the elapsed time this material occurred and any other material you consider relevant.
Not sure what broadcasting standards are?
You can take a look at them here: The 2022 Broadcasting Handbook applies to programmes on TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and TVNZ DUKE (Free-to-air Code) broadcast after 1 July 2022. The 2020 Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand Handbook applies to programmes on TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and TVNZ DUKE (Free-to-air Code) broadcast before 1 July 2022.
Or here: Statement of Principles(PDF) - this applies to online news and current affairs material i.e. 1News