A New Zealander jailed for insulting religion in Myanmar is still behind bars despite nearly 7000 prisoners being freed for a holiday amnesty.

Philip Blackwood, from Wellington, and two Myanmar locals were charged in December over an online ad which featured a picture of Buddha wearing DJ headphones.

In March they were sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison, including two years of hard labour for insulting religion.

The New Zealand Embassy in Myanmar had been advised Mr Blackwood was not included on the presidential amnesty list, which pardoned 6966 prisoners on Thursday.

Mr Blackwood's father Brian says the family is extremely disappointed.

He says his son is innocent and the family felt let down by authorities in Myanmar and by the New Zealand Government.