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Our legislation

Radio spectrum usage in New Zealand is governed by two key pieces of legislation — the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001.

The Radiocommunications Act 1989

The Radiocommunications Act is our primary legislation. It sets out how we manage the radio spectrum in New Zealand. This includes establishing:

• the Register of Radio Frequencies (the Register)
• a management rights and licensing system
• a certification process for approved persons
• guidance on compliance and enforcement, and
• a disputes process.

Radiocommunications Act 1989(external link)

The Minister for Communications can also issue policy statements that help us better administer the radio licensing regime.

Statements of Government Policy and Directions

The Radiocommunications Regulations 2001

The Regulations:

• detail the need for all licence information to be publicly available on the Register
• set out how to manage radio licensing in NZ
• show the process for issuing licences to supply radio transmitters
• show the process for issuing certificates of competency to operate certain radio apparatuses
• define the standards for electromagnetic compatibility
• give details of infringement offences and fines
• show the fees charged for radio and spectrum licences, and
• list the forms required to provide information to the Registrar.

Radiocommunications Regulations 2001(external link)

Other legislation

Other legislation relevant to our work includes:

• the Broadcasting Act 1989(external link), which deals with issues generally related to the content of broadcasting services
• the Search and Surveillance Act 2012(external link)
• the Telecommunications Act 2001(external link), which deals with matters related to telecommunication services
• the Commerce Act 1986(external link), which relates to generic market and competition matters in business and considers management rights and spectrum licences to be business assets.