The longstanding prohibition on advertising on Sunday and Anzac Day mornings between 6am and 12pm for broadcast television, and on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday for both television and radio broadcasting, has come up on the Government’s agenda for repeal, with the Broadcasting (Repeal Of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill (Bill) introduced in December 2024.

 

The purpose of the Bill in repealing the advertising restrictions under section 81 of the Broadcasting Act 1989, is to level the playing field for New Zealand media companies which compete with media platforms such as On-demand and live-streamed content that currently are not subject to the same restrictions. Media companies consider that the restrictions have seen them forego an estimated $6 million in advertising revenue each year.

 

New Zealand on Air data revealed that in 2024 YouTube was viewed daily by 44% of the population. This underlines the increasing shift away from mainstream media. One of the arguments is that this trend has reduced the reach and impact of the advertising restrictions, and as such, are no longer as effective in achieving their original purpose.

 

The original intent of the advertising restrictions when enacted in 1989 was “to maintain a place for diversity of less commercial programming (i.e., public and special interest content)”. However, a search on forums, as to public perception of the intent of the restrictions, would suggest that traditionally these days were kept free of advertising to keep the focus on the day being commemorated and a time for family gatherings, where viewing TV without the intrusion of consumerism was valued.

 

The Bill passed its first reading with the vote being treated as a conscience vote, and with interest expressed at the reading of hearing the publics’ view on this subject, public submissions at Select Committee may play a key part as to where this lands. The Select Committee’s report is due on 18 June 2025.

 

On a similar note, the Repeal of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as Restricted Trading Days (Shop Trading and Sale of Alcohol) Amendment Bill (Amendment Bill), had its first reading on the last day of Parliament 2024.

 

The Amendment Bill was treated as a conscience vote and was voted down by 74 to 49. From the first reading, the sentiment voiced against this legislation was largely based on protecting the rights of workers to enjoy time off and to promote family togetherness.