What is fair dealing under New Zealand copyright law?
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What is fair dealing under New Zealand copyright law?

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29.07.2026

I write reviews on a blog and I sometimes quote extracts from books and include screenshots of films and shows. I am worried about crossing a line. When can I use someone else’s work without permission?

Site Administration 02.08.2026
reply date: 02.08.2026

The Copyright Act 1994 contains fair dealing exceptions that allow limited use without permission for specific purposes, including criticism or review, reporting current events and research or private study, provided the use is accompanied by a sufficient acknowledgement in the case of criticism and review. There is no fixed word count or percentage. The question is whether the amount used is reasonable for the purpose, whether it is genuinely for the purpose of criticism or review and whether it substitutes for the original work. Quoting short extracts to comment on a book is usually acceptable, whereas copying long passages or reproducing entire images or chapters is riskier. Screenshots should be limited and tied directly to your commentary. Always credit the source. If in doubt, ask for permission or use less.

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