Current News and Media Releases
New Zealand’s Most Complained About Ads 2016
With the publication of our 2016 Annual Report, we have revealed New Zealand’s top 10 most complained about ads of 2016. The cause of complaints ranged from encouraging illegal behaviour, to racism and inappropriate sexual content. Commenting on the Top 10 most complained about ads of 2016, our Chief Executive Hilary Souter said: “We have… Read More
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.
Sales Promotion Schemes
A sales promotion scheme is a popular marketing technique used when an advertiser offers the chance to go in to the draw to win something after purchasing their product or service.
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
2/8/16: New Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code Released
As part of a project to review and streamline its Codes of Practice, the Advertising Standards Authority today released the Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code with accompanying Guidance Notes. The object of this Code is to ensure that advertisers maintain rigorous standards in therapeutic and health advertising. The Code covers all words and visual depictions in all advertising for… Read More
The Most Complained About Ad for 2015
New Zealand’s most complained about advertisement for 2015 was an online advertising campaign by I Love Ugly to promote its range of men’s jewellery. There were a total of 26 complaints made to the Advertising Standards Authority about this advertisement. Complainants said the imagery of a man wearing I Love Ugly rings, with his hands on different parts of a woman’s… Read More
