New Zealand censorship inspector Peter Pilley revealed that three cases of possession of "sexualized manga cartoons" are about to go to trial in New Zealand. Under the Films, Video, and Publication Classification Act of 1993 and the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Amendment Act of 2005, the New Zealand government can prosecute individuals who possess "objectionable" publications. Individuals convicted of knowingly possessing objectional materials face a fine of up to $50,000NZ ($28,288.97US). Individuals convicted of knowing trading or selling materials deemed objectionable can face up to 10 years in prison. The Department of Internal Affairs offers a "Content Complaint Form", which citizens can use to report objectionable content.

Peter Pilley is an inspector for the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. His department uses "proactive R&D" coupled with Squirrel Hunter, a peer-to-peer tracking software to detect instances of objectionable content trade.

This action isn't the only disturbing censorship case in recent months. Last October, Christopher Handley was arrested in Iowa (US) for possession of obscene manga under the Federal PROTECT Act. The individual's collection of over 1,200 manga volumes, hundreds of anime DVDs and VHS cassettes, and laserdiscs were confiscated. The case has not yet gone to trial, though Handly faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case gained the alliance of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, as well as several words of encouragement from outspoken authors like Neil Gaiman.