Copyright is central to what library and information services do. Copyright law balances the rights of creators and the rights of users of books, research, information and resources. There is a legal responsibility to ensure copyright law is not infringed. There is also an ethical duty to promote access to information and freedom of expression. This page provides you with copyright advice and resources.
LIANZA position on copyright
LIANZA advocates copyright law which recognises the relationship between creators and the public. This means supporting and rewarding the creation of works while also providing reasonable access to and use of those works.
We advocate on behalf of members about any copyright issues which may affect access to information.
Copyright advice
The LIANZA standing committee on copyright is available to assist LIANZA members with advice, advocacy, and awareness of copyright and licensing issues. They are available by emailing lianzacopyright@gmail.com.
Current advocacy on copyright
New Zealand has negotiated a free trade agreement with the European Union (FTA). The agreement requires that New Zealand extend the term of copyright from life plus 50 years to life plus 70 years and provide additional protections for technological protection measures (digital locks).
Implementation of these commitments will be undertaken as part of the current review of the Copyright Act 1994. The committee would like examples from library and information services on the availability and cost of licences for electronic books, problems faced in digitising collections, and any activities you would like to offer to the public that are not possible because of copyright restrictions.
Members of the standing committee have an understanding of copyright and how it affects the library and information sector. There are terms of reference for the committee members.
Bridget Knuckey, Western Institute of Technology (Chair)
Zoe Richardson, Auckland War Memorial Museum
Amanda Hutchinson, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago
Melanie Lovell-Smith, National Library of New Zealand
Carmel Maclachlan, Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington
Veronica Ligaliga, Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau I Auckland Council Libraries
In 2019 LSCC presented a series of three webinars which are available on the LIANZA YouTube page and are a good resource for you to view to understand this area.
The video below from June 2025 is a practical introduction to educational exemptions and copyright in Aotearoa. It covers:
The basics of NZ copyright law
Key exceptions for education
Library-specific provisions
Common copyright questions
Thanks to the LIANZA Copyright Committee a collection of resources on copyright has been provided. Please get in touch if there is anything you would like to see here that is missing. Please note that some of these documents simplify copyright legislation in order to provide an overview - these documents should not be taken as legal advice about copyright.
The Copyright Act 1994 - Advice, guidelines & policy
Photocopying Statement 2022 - This statement can be printed off and used in public photocopying areas within libraries as a copyright warning. Please note that this statement has been provided and approved by the LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright as guidance for libraries, and should be accompanied by the appropriate copyright guidelines which can also be found here.
Marrakesh Treaty Guidelines 2022 - These guidelines have been prepared by the LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright, LIANZA Accessibility Special Interest Group and Blind Low Vision NZ. The Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Act 2019 enables an individual with a print disability, or someone acting on behalf of an individual with a print disability, to make an accessible format copy for use by someone with a print disability. These guidelines will help you understand these changes and what you are able to do as a 'prescribed library'.
