Activism
Protests and the general criminal law
Taking videos and photos
Can I video or take photos of the police in public?
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 14 Summary Offences Act 1981, s 23
Generally, you are free to video or photograph people in public spaces without their consent, including the police. This is protected under the right to seek information in the Bill of Rights and is not against the criminal law.
However, you could be charged with obstructing police in the course of their duties if you get in their way.
Can I record a conversation with the police without telling them?
Yes. If one person involved in a conversation consents to it being recorded, it is legal to record the conversation for personal use, even if the other people involved are not aware. It’s not legal to record conversations that you’re not a part of, and it may be illegal to release the recording.
For more information, go to www.privacy.org.nz.
