Key Provisions

• Exclusive Rights Creators hold the right to copy, distribute, perform, and adapt their works.

• Fair Dealing Limited use is permitted for purposes such as research, education, criticism, and news reporting.

• Duration of Protection Copyright typically lasts for 50 years after the author’s death, ensuring long-term recognition and control.

• Māori Knowledge and Cultural Property

  While the Act protects individual creators, it does not adequately safeguard mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge) or taonga works (treasured cultural expressions). This gap raises concerns about cultural exploitation and the need for a bicultural legal framework.

  • Cultural Works at Risk
    Waiata (songs), carvings, tukutuku patterns, and other indigenous creations may be used without iwi consent.

  • Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship)
    Māori communities seek recognition of their role as guardians of cultural property, advocating for respectful and informed use.

  • Bicultural Reform
    A more inclusive approach would embed Māori values into copyright law, protecting communal knowledge and honoring indigenous rights.