Criteria of sensitive content

These criteria are general guidelines. The specific definition of 'sensitive content' can vary depending on the record or context. Sensitivity is often subjective and can change over time.

Culturally sensitive

Material that could be offensive or harmful to specific groups based on their cultural heritage or background.
Information considered sacred or taboo in certain cultures, such as religious texts, artifacts or images of deceased individuals.

Historical context and evolving terminology

Content that was considered acceptable in the past may be considered sensitive today due to changes in social norms and values.
Items may contain materials that reflect racist, sexist, or other discriminatory views that are no longer acceptable today.
This may include hate speech or propaganda that discriminates against individuals or groups.

Harmful content

Explicit content — records containing detailed descriptions of violence, sexual abuse, or other disturbing events that may be upsetting or harmful to certain individuals.
Records detailing past injustices, traumas, or sensitive historical events may require careful handling to avoid retraumatising individuals or communities.
Discriminatory language — material that describes violence, discrimination or hatred.

Private information

Sensitive personal information

Information about a person that could cause serious harm to the person, their family, or their community if it were made generally available. This includes employment, health or financial information, or information about a person’s interactions with government (such as welfare or child protection records) that people generally choose to control closely rather than make broadly available. Cultural considerations may apply.

Classified information

Information restricted by New Zealand legislation or could compromise national security or trade secrets.