Nitschke welcomes suicide book decision

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Australian euthanasia campaigner Dr Philip Nitschke has welcomed a decision by New Zealand authorities that will allow him to sell his controversial book in the country.

Nitschke said he was heartened by Friday's decision to reject an application from pro-life groups, who wanted to stop the distribution of the Peaceful Pill Handbook.

The book, which describes how to commit suicide, was last year banned by New Zealand's Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC).

But its distribution was later allowed, as long as it was sold sealed, to people aged over 18.

Earlier this month, the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, and Right to Life New Zealand sought a fresh order restricting its distribution.

"The decision by the OFLC had demonstrated the open attitude of New Zealand to the important question of censorship," Nitschke said in a statement today.

"New Zealand's approach to censorship stands in stark distinction to the approach taken by the government in Australia, where the book remains a banned publication."

Nitschke's euthanasia group Exit International is due to hold a meeting in Christchurch next month, where it is expected the book will be sold.

- AAP