The New Zealand Writers Guild welcomes the Copyright (Infringing File
Sharing) Amendment Bill introduced into Parliament by Commerce Minister
Simon Power.

The bill repeals Section 92A and replaces it with a three-notice regime
which is intended to deter illegal file sharing.

President of the NZWG Peter Cox states: "In spite of the claims of certain
pro-piracy groups, this bill is much welcomed by the vast bulk of the screen
industry, including screenwriters. It is clear that the illegal downloading
endangers both our individual livelihoods and the screen industry at large,
and screenwriters are passionately opposed to having their work stolen."

The NZWG believes the new law strikes a good balance between the rights of
the screen industry, internet service providers and consumers.

The New Zealand Writers Guild is the professional association of script
writers that represents the interests of New Zealand writers in the fields
of film, television, theatre, radio, comics and new media. The Guild's
members include most of the professional script writers working in New
Zealand.

ENDS