A group representing New Zealand Internet Service Providers says there is no need to copy Australia's moves against providers who allow users to view child pornography.

From next week, ISPs in Australia will face fines of up to $55,000 if they are made aware that their service can be used to access child porn and don't inform the police.

Peter MacAuley from the Internet Society of New Zealand, the largest industry grouping of service providers, says the move is misguided.

He says it is a bit like making the postman liable for delivering pornography.

MacAuley says most ISPs do report any cases of offensive material.