1 April 2026

Tonight, Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill passed through its first reading.

“This common-sense amendment would improve how our copyright laws work in a modern media landscape, and provide more protections for artists, like Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe,” says Green Party spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Kahurangi Carter.

“Satire makes us laugh and makes us think. This Bill would help protect New Zealand’s comedians from legal threats and outsized egos.”

“Aotearoa can be a country that properly values our art and our artists, both of which already contribute significantly to what makes our country what it is.”

“Our copyright laws have not kept pace with the changing landscape of the digital age, which has left creatives exposed to the risk of costly legal repercussions.”

“We want to acknowledge the support of wonderful artists such as Thomas Sainsbury, Kura Forrester, and mihi to the broader artistic community.”

“The Greens want to further empower artists by protecting their artistic expression, which is currently restricted.”

“We’re grateful to those political parties who voted in favour of this Bill, and we’re looking forward to working with the public through the select committee process to ensure this Bill becomes a much needed law.”

“There is a lot going on in the world right now, so more than ever we must lean into art to help us express ourselves without being hampered by outdated laws,” says Kahurangi Carter.

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