Another ban on a Wicked Campers vehicle has been issued, while two other vans have been classed as unrestricted and are approved for renting.
The campervan is the fourth to be deemed unfit for the public by governing body Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC).
The van had language that related to a sexual act often used in pornography. The Classification Office decided if children saw the word and found out what it meant it could potentially harm their worldview.
"In this instance the potential for injury extends from the likelihood of harm to young people's development of sexual attitudes and behaviours, to the potential for a harmful influence on the attitudes of the adult viewers," the OFLC published on its website.
OFLC communications manager Sue Hoyle told Newshub it had considered restricting the vehicle to persons over the age of 18, but considering the nature of the item in question, it would be impractical.
The two vehicles classified as unrestricted can be continued to be used by Wicked Campers for renting to consumers.
The first was painted with a cartoon Smurf holding a large cannabis cigarette, or "joint", standing in front of a cloud of smoke. It reads "To smurf or not to smurf that is the question" and "I don't give a smurf."
OFLC found there were no clear promotional aspects to the picture and no strongly credible references to marijuana.
The second showed images of characters from The Simpsons, with references to alcohol and cannabis.
"Mere offence or embarrassment is not sufficient to override the right to freedom of expression," OFLC said about the van.
The watchdog said it could not justify banning either.
The Classification Office is required to classify any submissions made by the New Zealand Police. Wicked Campers are the first vehicles it has classified.
The police will now decide what happens to the banned campervans and if Wicked Campers will now face penalties.
New Zealand Police could not be immediately reached for comment.
Newshub.
