Into the River – what is this banning all about?

An 'interim restriction order' has been placed on the award-winning book for teens Into the River by Ted Dawe.

Can I get it out of the library?

We can't lend you a copy, but you can place a hold. When the order is no longer in force, you will be able to borrow it.

What's an 'interim restriction order' and what does it mean?

The best source of information is the OFLC Study of Into the River.

This order was imposed by the President of the Film and Literature Board of Review. This appeals body is independent of the Office of Film and Literature Classification. The interim restriction order will remain in place until the book is classified by the Board of Review for the second time.

Henry Talbot, Advisor, Information Unit, Office of Film and Literature Classification Te Tari Whakarōpū Tukuata, Tuhituhinga has advised us:

The interim restriction order makes it an offence to supply or distribute the book to anyone in New Zealand, pending a review of the book’s current Unrestricted classification (the Unrestricted classification was recently assigned by our office and is being appealed by the organisation Family First).

I have an opinion on this. What can I do?

Henry Talbot, Advisor, Information Unit, Office of Film and Literature Classification Te Tari Whakarōpū Tukuata, Tuhituhinga:

If you have questions or concerns about the interim restriction order, or if you would like to express an opinion about the appropriate classification of the book Into the River, please contact Julie Wall at the Film and Literature Board of Review: julie.wall@dia.govt.nz.

Update: 14 October 2015

The Film and Literature Board of Review has issued its decision on the book Into the River. The book has been classified Unrestricted. This means that it can be supplied to anyone, of any age.

For detailed information about the classification history of the book, see the updated case study.

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