I explained that while we write LETTERBOX, as a citizens' press, anyone is free to
distribute it as they wish. I pointed out that, as a courtesy, we do ask
those who distribute it to respect “no circulars” notices. They replied that
they don't have such a notice on their letterbox.
I think it is useful to outline what is common practice regarding the delivery of flyers.
In New Zealand, there is no nationwide law prohibiting the
placement of circulars in letterboxes, even those marked "no
circulars" or "no junk mail."
While it is not illegal to place circulars in marked
letterboxes, the Marketing Association’s Voluntary Code of Practice for
Unaddressed Mail considers it good etiquette for its members to respect "no
circulars" signs. However, compliance is voluntary, and they say there are
exceptions where their members may distribute material despite signs. These include
public notices from government bodies, local authorities, and election material
(delivered within two months before polling day)
It is also useful to remind others that the right to express
an opinion (generally and in publications like LETTERBOX) is enshrined in sections
13 and 14 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, which states:
“13. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief, including the right to adopt and to hold opinions without interference.“
“14. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression,
including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of
any kind in any form.”
All said and done, it is up to individuals to decide how
they distribute LETTERBOX, but we ask that no circular signs be respected
when outside of the election window (between 5 August and 5 October this year).
Our suggestion to those who take issue with receiving
LETTERBOX is to treat it in the same way they would treat any unwanted mail,
and respect the rights of others as enshrined in sections 13 and 14 of the Bill
of Rights.
I thank Kate from Parua Bay for raising this matter with us, and thank the many people who are distributing LETTERBOX to their local communities.
Frank Newman
Editor, LETTERBOX