Controversial campervan company Wicked has been forced to clean up its act.
The graffiti-styled paintwork is arguably offensive enough, but the submission of campers to the Classifications Office as seen an offence committed against the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993.
The vans were deemed objectionable, under the Act, making it illegal for anyone to own, possess or supply the vehicles – or cop a fine of up to $200,000.
The term ‘publication’ in the Act is defined as “thing that has printed or impressed upon it, or otherwise shown upon it, 1 or more (or a combination of 1 or more) images, representations, signs, statements, or words.”
It has been applied to billiboards, t-shirts and even a drink can.
Associate tourism minister Paula Bennett said that labelling the vans offensive publications was a “real victory for everyone that has seen the vans and been offended by the awful slogans and images on them.” says Mrs Bennett.
“We can all take a joke, but vans that promote drug use to children and sexual violence totally overstep the mark.
“This will send a clear message to Wicked Campers that their offensive slogans are not welcome here and its time they cleaned up their act.”
“If Wicked Campers continue to use the three slogans banned today they could face a fine of up to $200,000 per offence
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