We are now Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa, reflecting our commitment to te ao Māori and creativity 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.
The answers are drawn exclusively from content developed by subject matter experts at Tāwhia Copyright Aotearoa.
If it’s not in our knowledge base, we will tell you.
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.
Deidre Shea
Principal
‘Being licensed is the right thing to do in every sense of the word’
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.
