Bugging telephones and Police spying techniques are now well and truly into the advanced electronic age. They can bug your 'phone and your home. But there are very strict limitations. This is a very new topic on Netlaw and was inspired by one of our clients who wrote to us and put the idea in our minds. In a somewhat indelicate manner he wrote : " . . . I know the cops can bug my phone but what is the law? Also me and the missus have split up and she is going custody. Can I record her crazy ravings and use the tape in Court . . . . ? " These are very important questions indeed and go right to the heart of civil liberties in New Zealand. So we are going to set out all of the law so you understand the powers and the rights of people in this area of the law. There are two questions in the above letter - Police powers and the powers of an ordinary citizen. We will address both issues. AN ORDINARY CITIZEN'S RIGHTS NO! YOU CANNOT SNOOP ON OTHERS BUT THERE IS AN IMPORTANT EXCEPTION! If you are one of the participants in a private conversation then you can tape it and use it in evidence. But you must be one of the parties to the conversation. SECTION 216 of the Crimes Act is a fairly recent Amendment. It is well worth reading and you can access it through the links below to the Crimes Act 1961. If you record a private conversation (not involving yourself) you are liable for up to two years imprisonment. You cannot use this information in a Court. It is a crime to record secretly someone else's private conversation. 
POLICE POWERS The right for 'authorities' in New Zealand to undertake covert surveillance is contained in two Acts of Parliament . The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 1978 and the Crimes Act The first - .....The first part of this topic has been displayed free of charge. Join up for $45 to have access to this and all other topics!
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