Sensing Murder - "Acting as medium" legality

Cody C made this Official Information request to Television New Zealand Limited

The request was successful.

From: Cody C

Dear Television New Zealand Limited,

I am requesting all information relating to the show Sensing Murder that is specifically relating to the following:

1. What legal assessment, if any, has been performed by TVNZ in relation to the Summary Offences Act, particularly in regards to section 16 "Acting as medium with intent to deceive"?
2. Giving special reference to section 16.3, are the mediums shown on Sensing Murder only provided for an "entertainment" purpose?
2.y. If yes, is a disclaimer provided prominently on the show demonstrating this fact?
2.n. If no, please confirm if TVNZ has provided any "reward" at any time to any medium that appears on the show, especially a reward in the form of money.

in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982.

For the purposes of the Act, I am a New Zealand citizen and residing in New Zealand at the time of making this request. You generally have 20 working days to respond to this notice, as required by law. Your response will be published publicly on the fyi.org.nz website.

Yours faithfully,

Cody C

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From: Joy Savage
Television New Zealand Limited

Hi.  I'm on annual leave, returning to the office on 8 March 2017.  Please
contact Sarah Hawker on 916 7970 if you require assistance.  Cheers, Joy.

 

 

 

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From: Brent McAnulty
Television New Zealand Limited


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Dear Cody C

 

Your email of 4 March requesting information related to the series Sensing
Murder has been referred to my office.

 

We will respond to your request in due course.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Brent McAnulty
General Counsel and Corporate Affairs Director

d.  +64 9 916 7935  
m. +64 27 226 4913

 

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From: Brent McAnulty
Television New Zealand Limited

Hi Cody

I have drafted a response but am awaiting confirmation form the production company who makes the programme, Screentime, to ensure they are happy with it.

TVNZ does not make the programme so the questions don't apply to us. However I am hoping to respond with a more fulsome reply with Screentime's answers.

I expect to have that for you this week, so we will need to extend the time to respond.

I'd be happy to diccuss this with you if you would prefer.

Regards
Brent

Brent McAnulty
General Counsel and Corporate Affairs Director
027 226 4913

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From: Brent McAnulty
Television New Zealand Limited


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Dear Cody

 

I refer to your request dated 4 March relating to TVNZ 1 programme Sensing
Murder.

 

Sensing Murder is a TVNZ commissioned programme made by the independent
production company Screentime.  As such it is delivered to TVNZ in final
form having gone through relevant legal checks at their end.  TVNZ
assesses the programme for classification so it can screened in the
appropriate part of the schedule.  This is in accordance with the BSA Free
to Air Broadcasting Code of Practice.

 

We can confirm that the mediums do receive a fee for their appearance on
the programme, but this is not provided directly by TVNZ. 

 

The mediums all believe that they have a gift that they can assist others
with and there is no intention to deceive whatsoever.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Brent McAnulty
General Counsel and Corporate Affairs Director

d.  +64 9 916 7935  
m. +64 27 226 4913

 

[1]tvnz-horizontal.jpg      [2]1-news.jpg

 

 

 

==========================================================
For more information on the Television New Zealand Group, visit us
online at tvnz.co.nz
==========================================================
CAUTION:  This e-mail and any attachment(s) contain information that
is intended to be read only by the named recipient(s).  This information
is not to be used or stored by any other person and/or organisation.

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