Someone posted something false about me online. Is it defamation?

General information from Lawmateanz

In New Zealand, defamation is publishing a statement about someone that would lower them in the estimation of reasonable people, such as a false claim that they're dishonest or incompetent.

Truth and honest opinion are defences. A statement that's substantially true, or a genuine opinion based on true facts, generally isn't defamatory under the Defamation Act 1992.

Defamation claims generally need to be brought within two years of the publication.

For harmful online posts, you can also contact Netsafe (0508 638 723) under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. A lawyer can advise whether a defamation claim is worth pursuing, as court cases can be costly.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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