Current News and Media Releases

Broadcasting Promotions (‘Promos’) and Advertisements

Television advertising falls under the Advertising Standards Authority’s jurisdiction as encompassed in our definition of an advertisement. However, under the Broadcasting Act, programme promotions (‘promos’) for programmes or the promotion of a channel or station identity on television or radio are not advertising for the purposes of the ASA Codes.

2016 Annual Report Released

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has released its 2016 annual report. In 2016 the ASA received 586 formal complaints and responded to 273 enquiries from media, advertisers and agencies about advertisements prior to publication or broadcast.

The Use of New Zealand Banknotes and Coins in Advertising

Images or reproductions of New Zealand banknotes and coins are sometimes used in advertising. Legislation allows for this, however the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act, 1989 must be considered. The sections of this Act that are relevant for advertising include: Section 28: a person must not deliberately deface, disfigure or mutilate any banknote without the permission… Read More

New Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code

The new Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code is now effective for all new and existing advertisements. The Code covers all words and visual depictions in all advertising for therapeutic products (medicines and medical devices), natural health products and dietary supplements, health services and methods of treatment.

Changes recommended to further restrict advertising to children

The panel that reviewed the Advertising Standards Authority’s Children’s Codes has recommended an increased range of restrictions in its report to the ASA, released today. The panel, chaired by former Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Sir Bruce Robertson, included senior representatives from the health sector and industry, along with the Deputy Chair of the Advertising Standards Complaints Board.

Raw Milk Advertising Rules Tightened

The Ministry of Primary Industries has recently tightened the rules around the manufacture and sale of raw milk in New Zealand. The aim of this is to help control the health risks associated with the consumption of raw milk (milk that has not been pasteurised). Pasteurisation is a process that that involves heating milk to… Read More

Drone Advertising Recommendation Made

New Zealand sales of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, or drones) are booming and numbers are expected to increase as their uses are expanded to help with goods deliveries, scientific research, care of crops and livestock and police operations.  Unmanned aircraft under 25kg, which is virtually all consumer RPAS, are covered by Civil Aviation Rule Part 101. The… Read More