“who Are Censors?” (Press, 1 March 1972)

The Theatre Arts Guild of New Zealand expressed concern regarding the arrival of the controversial show "Hair" in the country, stating that the protection of New Zealand's morals should have been ensured prior to the show's introduction, rather than in response to it. In a statement released on 1 March 1972, the committee highlighted that the show is internationally recognised and asserted that both the Government and the police were well aware of its content. They argued for the necessity of an appointed critic or censor from the Government to evaluate such performances before they are permitted to enter the country. The committee pointed out that since "Hair" had already been performed overseas and that members of the public had been exposed to it in other countries, a censor's report should have been acquired beforehand. They maintained that no approval or license should have been granted until this assessment was completed, suggesting that the arrival of the show in New Zealand indicated a form of government consent to its performance. The guild questioned the identity of the current censors, raising issues about accountability by asking whether it was Miss Patricia Bartlett, the New Zealand Police Department, or another figure responsible for censorship. Their statement reflects a broader concern about the influence of international performances on local cultural values and the adequacy of existing censorship processes in New Zealand.

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