Reprinting policy

The objective of this policy is to establish a framework for producing printed reprints of New Zealand legislation so as to provide users of New Zealand legislation (including the legal profession, the judiciary, librarians, government agencies, and the public) with access to up-to-date legislation on an efficient and cost-effective basis.

The PCO has regard to the following considerations in implementing this policy:

• the volume of legislation being enacted
• the amount, frequency, and significance of amending legislation
• the Government's legislative programme
• the usefulness of particular legislation to general and specialist users, including the legal profession, the judiciary, and government departments
• the resources available to the PCO (both human and technological)
• the size and nature of the New Zealand market for printed reprints
• the limits imposed by the price the market will pay for reprinted legislation
• achieving a balance between electronic and printed products.

In implementing this policy, the PCO focuses on best-selling titles that are frequently or heavily amended, on the basis that these represent the priorities of users of legislation.

A reprinting programme is established each year, in consultation with key users of legislation. The programme seeks to establish what legislation users would like reprinted, and how often (for example, after significant amendments). The programme is published (see reprints scheduled), and reviewed from time to time in the light of information about public sales of legislation, proposals to amend or repeal particular legislation, and other relevant factors.

The PCO publishes reprints in pamphlet form only. The Reprinted Statutes of New Zealand Series (the brown volumes) has been discontinued, and reprints of Statutory Regulations are no longer included in the annual Statutory Regulations Series.

The PCO welcomes suggestions for Acts or Statutory Regulations to be reprinted; to make a suggestion, please contact us.