The Skeptics 1987 classic AFFCO. Photo / NZ on Screen
The Skeptics 1987 classic AFFCO. Photo / NZ on Screen
The recent controversy around Ted Dawes’ teen novel Into the River, gets NZ On Screen’s Nicky Harrop thinking about television that was originally banned in New Zealand
The 1960 arrival of television in New Zealand brought with it a huge expansion of our collective horizons. But not everyone was happy with what they were seeing. Programmes were originally scrutinised by the film censor, and later the Broadcasting Authority (now Broadcasting Standards Authority) was established to investigate complaints. Over time, TV censorship has mostly evolved to reflect more relaxed public attitudes. As evidenced by some of the following past offenders, what was once deemed scandalous might today barely raise a virtual eyebrow.
Come to the Sabbat
Local band Timberjack caused an uproar with this 1971 clip for their satan-praising hit Come to the Sabbat (a cover of UK act Black Widow.) The video's druids, skulls and sacrificial damsel seem almost quaint by today's standards, but proved too much for TV audiences, whose multiple complaints lead to its ban.
Made in 1972, bikie doco If You're in it, You're in it to the Limit gets up close with the Auckland chapter of the Hells Angels. The on screen antics of the not-so-easy riders saw a swift ban from the NZBC for "not being in the public interest." Fans of Sons of Anarchy may beg to differ.
Warning: contains a highly topical pigs head appearance.
The Neville Purvis Family Show
Local comedy The Neville Purvis Family Show is notorious for containing the first use of the f-word on NZ television. Apologising for other bad language during the show, Purvis remarked "at least we never said f**k," earning star and series creator Arthur Baysting both a ban, and a place in Kiwi pop culture history.
Warning: contains potential disappointment - a recording of the offending segment no longer exists, so this is a more sedate episode.
Expressions of Sexuality
Expressions of Sexuality explores the impact of the sexual revolution on 1980s New Zealand through a series of candid interviews. Filmed in 1984, it took director Allison Webber two years to convince TVNZ that local audiences were "ready" for what were still seen as taboo subjects.
Warning: contains forward thinking and the odd questionable fashion choice.
AFFCO
As the title might suggest, the video for The Skeptics 1987 classic AFFCO was never going to be an easy watch. Controversial, and publicly screened only a handful of times, it has nonetheless come to be regarded as a landmark New Zealand music video.
Fast-forward 20 years, and local music videos were still making waves. In 2008 TVNZ banned this clip from Auckland band The Hot Grits as "inappropriate content," due to the storyline portrayed by its child actors.
Warning: contains a cleverly framed commentary on grown-up behavior.
